Friday, December 7, 2012

Transitional Piece

7"x7", embroidery on a loose weaved bleached black cloth...featured in my 11/23 post. I wanted to learn some new stitches so this piece was my first effort in 'couching'. I used two different colors, salmon & black for the circular lines on this round shape. I also used satin stitch and french knots. The metallic is an iron-on foil that I needed to order online. The results of using this foil has been uneven but I think I need to practice to improve results. I feel after finishing, that it has become a transitional piece leading me into creating fragments of garments, such as belts, trims on cloaks. that might represent the clothing of another time.My research of biblical garments has been interesting and creating fragile remnants of cloth(adding beads, embroidery, paint and bleach among other efforts) will hopefully bring a flavor of mystery and beauty of what might have been. It's a rich project for me as it electrifies my imagination in a similar way as my journey I made into the myth and science of travelling among the planets and stars. This is turning into a winter of new skills and open ended ideas of play!!

21 comments:

  1. Mary Ann, I think you have achieved the impression of ancient fragments, mysterious and sacred. I love the thought of developing small open ended ideas (lap creations)during the winter months.

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    1. Robyn, I agree...small open ended lap creations are perfect for these darker shorter days!

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  2. just so wonderful!! creativity on an extreme high! xo

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    1. Jeane, Yes, extreme creative high...and its perfectly legal! I'm enjoying the new skills as well!

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  3. Open ended ideas, new skills, explorations into an imagined past (is there any other kind of past?)...going within and lingering there; bringing the flame of creativity to the dark days of winter. It's all good.

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    1. louciao, Beginning with the part about 'going within and lingering'...feels like a blessing...thank you!

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  4. It's a beautiful piece, looking forward to all that will come from this transitional piece.

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    1. Bren, Besides a few holiday breaks...my studio time is blocked out and I'm ready to work through this winter...a good feeling!

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  5. oh this sounds like an exciting, mystical journey. fragments of garments....relics. where will your imagination take you? I await.....

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    1. Suki, Funny how one piece can set off a whole direction...I'm sewing with glass beads and that is an EYE opener!

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  6. Oh this does give the impression of a rich fragment found. I really like the circular stitching!

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    1. Karen, Thank you...this is my first time to try this couching stitch and it has been fun....I can see myself using it in many new ways!

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  7. Ooohhh, love those stitches! You are making this ancient fragment come alive. It's wonderful to hear how this journey through biblical archeology has captured you, then to see your experiments in the studio express your wanderings through the ruins...

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    1. Joyfulwild, Thank you, I would not mix salmon and black but somehow I did and the bronze on top seems okay too...?!

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  8. Couching Stitch - I'll look that up in my Embroidery Book. I can use that, I'm sure!

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    1. Karen, I discovered this stitch in my embroidery book...so enjoy picking colors at the fabric store!

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  9. oh my, oh my, I am swooning over this embroidery ... just wonderful and looks like an ancient piece, the bleach worked wonders...

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    1. Caterina, The bleaching process is full of surprises but oh, the mess! I'd like to do more but I need a full day for work and clean-up!

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  10. Mary Ann, as always I am impressed with your research and the wonderful art that comes from it. You are one of my heroes.

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    1. Carole, Thank you so much for this comment...I'm smiling!

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  11. WoW! From journeying among the planets and stars and now time traveling to ancient worlds - fantastic journeys Mary Ann. You are definitely on the path of mystery and beauty! Godspeed!

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