In this piece I used some of my very bleached cloth and stamped pieces which I then added beads and embroidery. The photo is of an oasis, the only oasis I can say I have visited. It is not located in the Sinai but rather in the California desert. They look very similar and are mostly fed by underground springs. I've read that the desert is not a silent sandy place but a rather noisy place what with the wind, bugs, birds and animals. This piece is in answer to the last piece depicting night at the oasis. I'm imagining daylight at the oasis to be remarkably different...more alive and safe. The cold night fears are relinquished with the clear explanations of seeing and hearing what might have caused such fears. Shadows and swishing sounds could easily be attributed to palm fronds and tall grasses. Rings of light can now be seen as possible reflections on water from the moon or dense starlight. Isn't that always the way...night fears give way to the warmth and clarity of daylight. How many times in my life did I worry only to see and think more clearly in the morning?
Very nice, and I kind of see ancient petroglyphs in it.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, The colors speak of desert for me...thank you!
DeleteOh my, I think this is my favorite so far... a transfer on voile? what did you use? and I am taken with the idea of the oasis... growing up in the desert as I did... and yes, sleeping on it makes everything alright...
ReplyDeleteGlad this is a favorite. Jacquard offers transfer sheets in silk...these sheets fit nicely into the printer and I like the transparency.
DeleteI agree, the light of day can make me feel much more relaxed. I have enjoyed your "oasis" pieces each time you have shared them. I think it was a series called Oasis that first drew me to your work.
ReplyDeleteLeslie, We both look to morning light for calm thoughts. I'm glad you have enjoyed my 'oasis' attempts...for me it is a wonderful metaphor for a needed rest and time out. We have been traveling along for quite some time...I'm so glad!
DeleteLove the use of repeated patterns, the warm "earthen" tones, and that zing of tuquoise. I think it would be exciting to see these textile works in person as the different texture and added detailing of each piece of cloth is so important to the feeling of the whole. I always enjoy the descriptions and backstories that you write for your work, adding a richness and further understanding of the piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynne, the cloths were all dark prints but bleached out nicely to these desert colors. I like cutting stamps and then adding the beads and embroidery...I outdid myself on the beads and had to rest my hand for a couple of days. I'm not sure but the story and composition seem to grow together.
Deletesomehow as i read this Maria Muldaur is singing "Midnight on the Oasis". I like your new series. Using so many of your talents. You know I once told someone I'd like to live in Az or NM in the sandy realms and she said but nothing is going on, no grass, no etc. I agree with you, perhaps the activity is more subtle but the desert is alive.
ReplyDeleteI agree, my desert experience has been limited but I have seen, as you said, the subtle aliveness!
DeleteAnd night time for me is an enlarger for my fearful thoughts. When I awake in the morning what seemed impossible to resolve at night, seems more at ease in the daylight.
ReplyDeleteWe are kindred spirits on the subject of night fears....I play and replay all the junk until morning where it all seemed so silly. It all takes courage!
DeleteI discovered your website today through Contemplating the Moon, Bridgette Guerzon Mills' blog. It's just lovely. I especially enjoyed looking at the blog book you put together. Keep making art--you're so creative!
ReplyDeleteMary, Thank you for finding me and for taking the time to view the catalog. I've been making art for a long time and can't seem to imagine not making art! Welcome to blog world...please stop by anytime!
DeleteAbsolutely stunning..I feel as though I stepped into a dream. How original!
ReplyDeleteLyn, Isn't that the wish...to make dreams so real in words and images that one can feel as if they have truly been there?! Thank you for stepping into this oasis!!
DeleteMary Ann -- a wonderfully lustrous work with a sense of depth -- almost feel as if I could step into the 'Oasis'!
ReplyDeleteKelly, Our gardens, our homes and our art become those oasis of our dreams! Thank you for dropping by!
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ReplyDeleteMary Ann, I think this is my favorite so far. I love the mixed patterns, and the colors... I notice the embroidery floss you bought comes from the same palette!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharmon...I like this one too and for the same reason...the patterns and colors. I must have these desert colors locked in my head because I'm so drawn to them...the yellows and golds.
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