Friday, March 22, 2013

Desert Lamp

14"x20"  Desert Lamp

The desert lamp has too many methods for me to list...it has been a wild ride. It all began with some writing concerning desert nights and as I would write and rewrite it would set off changes in the cloth image. I would say this piece has become my personal Sampler as I can "read" all the different fabric treatments. It will be a valuable tool for me because I don't take notes and easily forget what I did and when. I have a few books that have been very helpful especially in the area of warnings. I don't have the lungs or brains to waste so I'm glad about the cautions. "Art Cloth" by Jane Dunnewold has been a wonderful resource and I recently picked up "The Found Object" by Cas Holmes. I'm excited about reading and experiencing this fresh well written textile art book. I discovered Cas Holmes "Bee Mapping" on Art Propelled  ...thank you Robyn!  I have taken some time to look at all I've accomplished this winter even down to learning how to thread my sewing machine. I so like approaching an adventure(big or small) and I can say the same for my studies of "Walking the Bible" by Bruce Feiler. From this great book I've been led to subscribe to Biblical Archeology magazine which has become a real treat month after month! I have a small show planned for next January and I do plan to take these cloth images and create a calendar/notebook for 2014. Which images? I'm going to continue on this cloth adventure so it will be interesting what I can put together at the end of the year.

Spring cleaning including yard cleanup! I've purchased herbs and annuals so this weekend will be potting washing down the deck and turning it back into an extra outdoor room...weather permitting!. We might be a few weeks ahead but I wish everyone a fresh new Spring! Melt snow, melt! Happy Fall to all on the other side too!



19 comments:

  1. Lovely to see how you have developed the X panel. Are those beads on the right? I like the idea of a calendar using the cloth images too.

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    1. Robyn, Tough job integrating the X's...a strong rose tint that didn't easily fit...but these reds and blacks seems to work. Yes, the beads are strung on a brass wire. I'm looking forward to putting together the calendar...something to use everyday.

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  2. Lovely piece, such a nice glow. Makes me feel I am in the desert....I am!

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    1. annell, Always my pleasure when you visit...thank you. Yes, the desert...actually all deserts!

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  3. Another wonderful journey. Lovely as always.

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    1. Maggie, Thanks for the good words...journey indeed!

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    1. Bren, Thank you...makes me feel good as it was so slow in shaping up!

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  5. as always Mary Ann, your process intrigues me and you art is always rich and interesting - you are very inspiring xox

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    1. Jeane, Thank you...inspiring...! This is mutual appreciation as I am always intrigued by your process!

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  6. Your piece does evoke night, and light and desert. BEautiful, Mary Ann.
    I find myself nodding my head in agreement about "this piece has become my personal Sampler as I can "read" all the different fabric treatments. It will be a valuable tool for me because I don't take notes and easily forget what I did and when." Me too! I can look at a piece and it will help me recall what I did. I love the label "personal sampler." Good idea.

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    1. Leslie, Thank you for your words on night, desert and light!!
      I think when we work with our hands connected to our hearts, the brain gets left out and time floats. Good to have some reminders around for reference.

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  7. Mary Ann, I'd say "I so like approaching an adventure" is somewhat of an understatement! I can't believe you've done all these gorgeous and personally meaningful pieces this winter since not knowing how to thread the sewing machine. You are my hero!

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    1. Actually Sharmon, I do know how to thread a sewing machine but my new one has a feature of automatic threader which I have had to learn how to place the thread perfectly so IT could thread itself...not so easy but sadly doesn't make me much of a hero! I have had the adventure of learning embroidery stitches and that is been fun!

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  8. to me your piece evokes the desert and the x's mark the spot of treasure .. so beautiful, your cloth pieces are just wonderful, and I hope you film your show in Jan so we can all see it!

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    1. Caterina, Thank you...I began with the x's and they made all the decisions for the other fabrics and shapes!
      I will take photos in January...a little little show!

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  9. I wish you a happy spring cleaning and many more happy adventures in cloth experiments. Each piece is a meditative journey in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your explorations.

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  10. louciao, Thank you for wishing me well on these fabric explorations. It gives me such joy to share these adventures here at the blog and to receive your good wishes!

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  11. Oh I love your desert lamp. Perfect for the start of spring. And how you put into words how you are growing, and that now your garden will be nurtured and growing beside you.
    roxanne

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