Leaving Alhambra

These past several weeks have been rich in both research and art making. The Citadel/Oasis theme is a strong one for me and I have revisited it many times. I see it as an opportunity to explore a time of protection, respite, repose, comfort...a true time out. Dreaming of another place and time is a way of opening to new imagery, colors and textures. I began with eight first starts on 20"x20" paper and I'm showing four truly completed pieces in a small show in October. The other four are in a place of incomplete and unresolved. I might return to these four but for now I am on a new road. It's summertime and I'm anxious to play with another of my favorite subjects...the sacred vessel. Gathering materials, writing and feeling the excitement of a new challenge! How many this time? I'd like to try for 8 again as it is one of my favorite numbers.  I'm still working on creating 40 new pieces this year and if I were counting I'd say I have 21 completed since I began last autumn.

The first photo is of the Citadel and the other of a more interior view of Alhambra... taking in the beautiful ornately carved arches and sunlit fountains.This was a wonderful stopping off place for me and I will always remember these beautiful images...it was as if I was really there! The four finished pieces are under the title of Citadel in my sidebar.

Interiors

The question arises of the sought after peace and protection of the Citadel. Rooms enclosed by ornately carved window coverings...dark except for the filtered light and shadows cast by the sun and moon...living by natural light.
"Interiors" for me, reflects both the physical light and the value of a quiet mind. The purposeful awkward lines and shapes denotes the years of standing as a sacred oasis. I have so loved the research of the Alhambra and how today we are still influenced by it's art and design. 20"x20" Rives BFK, acrylic, collage, crayon, molding paste, fabric and stencil.

Tapestries & Carpets

One of my fondest memories was lying on my grandmother's carpet and tracing with my fingers the intricate design as well as looking closely at her hanging tapestry...finding and following all the color changes. Everything seemed old and mysterious and I was entertained for the longest time. These particular memories came to mind when I was considering the beauty of the Alhambra. Do you have first memories of connecting to art or design?

Tapestry 0170-8, 20"x20" Rives BFK, acrylic, collage, sepia crayons, tissue paper and wax thread.

Unsettled Dreams

Did you ever wake from an unsettling dream to find the room still dark but also faint light at the window? Knowing morning is more than a couple hours away, you convince yourself to return to sleep and hopefully dream a sweeter dream. I began this piece with fragments of Alhambra fountains and the  palette  reflecting a cool dark pre-dawn. I had an interesting free hand drawing and enjoyed researching the longitude and latitude of the Citadel (those times you awake and can't remember where you are?) This is just a piece of the whole as I've been unable to resolve it. I'll put it aside and maybe I can return with a fresh outlook. Fragment measures 8"x9" out of a 20"x20" piece, acrylic, stencil, graphite, charcoal pencil and oil pastel.