Thursday, February 28, 2013

"Dome of Heaven"


10"x15", painted cotton cloth, chiffon, machine stitching, embroidery, metallic and cotton thread, black beads and red glass beads.
This piece began with the painted fabric found once again after rummaging through my scrap box. The fabric had become rather stiff from the paint and so I began composing strips to strips, square to strip using my old standby the zig zag machine stitch...metallic, gray, yellow and black threads. Also added the blue sparkle chiffon as the dome. Years ago I bought 1/4 yd fancy evening fabrics to use someday?
I've been watching my DVD "Walking the Bible" and scene after scene of the Sinai and Negev desert...plus Jordan River and Nile river scenes have been astounding. What is so fascinating to me are the color changes brought on by sunrise and sunset. These views of rather bleak brownish areas are transformed into dances of pink and lavender or golden yellow and orange. These beautiful combinations as well as the sparkle of light glittering on dry rocks giving the feeling of glistening water! Because of this DVD, I think I have several more desert expressions to compose. It is getting close to Spring and working with fabrics was my winter project....but now I find myself wanting to continue this art form through to summer. I also have back ordered some supplies from Jacquard inks...more silk screens, inks, and instructions for unusual applications.So I continue to dream desert dreams right here living on the edge of white foamed waves....I have the best of both worlds.

UPDATE:  Hurray...this is my 400th post!!!

15 comments:

  1. ...living on the edge of white foamed waves...Your lovely dome reminds me of the habit I've had since I've lived here, which is to turn and look out at the sea and sky when I come home after dark, even if all I can see is darkness. I'm sure we miss the best colourscapes that are so transitory - and probably while we are getting dinner!

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    1. Annie, The key is catching that last beautiful rays of sun at the horizon...heart leaping!!

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  2. The blue dome of sky is beautifully played against the rugged redbrowns of the desert; the silver line of hills suggest moonlight; the beadwork and stitches add engaging detail; and the dangling red glass beads along the bottom edge provide the perfect degree of enchantment. It's wonderful that you're allowing the impulse to explore this desert theme in fabric and paints, stitchery and beadwork rather than arbitrarily declaring that the trip is over. The DVD sounds very inspirational.
    Here's a song by an acquaintance of mine, a fine musician from Prince Edward Island, that seems to suit your theme quite perfectly:
    (Meet Me at the Oasis, by Lennie Gallant)

    http://youtu.be/J8MGkBGXFVw

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    1. louciao, This comment is a keepsake...thank you for your views and encouragement! Mostly thank you for this introduction to Lennie Gallant...the music, lyrics and imagery are remarkable...a true connection and I've returned several times!!

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    2. I'm so pleased! It's a chance to share music with someone never met and I'm really glad you've connected with Lennie's song. I connected so strongly with another of his tunes that I did a painting of it--and he bought it. I felt honoured. Artists connecting...

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  3. Congratulations on the 400th Blue Sky Dreaming post and your continuing series!

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    1. Thank you Leslie....where has the time gone? I love the journey and I'm hardly tired so on to the next 400!

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  4. Looking at this piece, a line by Omar Khayyam comes to mind ...
    "Awake! for morning in the bowl of night
    Has flung the stone that puts the stars to flight"

    Congratulations on your 400th post, Mary Ann!

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    1. Robyn, Thank you for this choice...it all becomes more alive with these words!
      400?? so much blah blah blah but I have enjoyed it all!

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  5. Scrolling through google reader today, your work of art caught my eye and pulled me in. You combined my two favorite colors in such a way to invite imagination... so many stories could be told while viewing this work. It's mesmerizing.

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    1. di, Thank you so much...mesmerizing is a wonderful word and I'm so pleased!

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  6. there is something very magical, fairy tale-esque about this piece. I can imagine a caravan across the desert, stars twinkling in the night sky. I always love it when I see people's work with cloth but I haven't quite got there yet.

    400 posts! wow! congrats!

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    1. I like magic! The colors speak to me of just such a caravan...pulling into an oasis for the nights rest. This fabric business has my heart right now.

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  7. This is beautiful, Mary Ann! Love seeing your use of fabric and stitching...more time consuming than painting but so effective. Thanks for your continuing comments on my blog...so positive.

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    1. Maggie, I have found the stitching to be much more time consuming than paint but I'm still having fun so I will stick with it for a while longer. Paint will call me back soon enough. I always enjoy your posts and your life in the East!

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