Thursday, August 8, 2013

"Leaves over Bone"

11"x12", painted cloth, painted paper, stamped cloth, machine stitching , embroidery and hand sewn bronze beads.
This piece is rather small and the center stamped rows are of a muddy leaf motif. The bronze beads scattered about are difficult to recognize. The title "Leaves over Bone" describes for me, the many layers of revealing what was before...sweeping away dust and seeds, uncovering, exposing gardens and patios only seen in dreams.

I don't know much but I do know my work is changing. I have clear preferences on materials...assorted cloth, mostly cotton mixed with papers and trim. As for techniques I have plenty to explore and right now machine and hand stitching have my focus (I'm afraid of by sewing machine instruction book?!) as well as the addition of beadwork. Sewing beads knots up my fingers and strains my eyes but I do love the end results of those shiny beautiful colored beads. Archeology (Middle Eastern) is a passion and lately the study of ancient gardens have been taking me to interesting sites. So the summer is rolling along. Here we have damp misty mornings and sunny afternoons with the fog rolling back in by evening.. Our new year begins in Sept and making art with cloth continues!

15 comments:

  1. It seems to me your work is becoming more personal- in comparison to the planet series, for example. To me, cloth and stitching have a personal association, like clothing. I love the color of the blue cloth, and especially the hand stitching.

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    1. Thank you Sharmon, I have surprised myself with this renewal of stitching. The blue fabric was painted and when dried was covered with a wash of ochre.

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  2. I have to agree with Sharmon - more personal indeed - I think that's part of the beauty of these latest works xo

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    1. Jeane, Thank you, this has been a rich series this year.! The experience of sharing the work here has been beyond expectations...it keeps me focused and I love the connection and feedback!!

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  3. I agree, so personal and very inspiring... your leaves piece is wonderful and the blue is a great contrast, one thing is usually certain... our work DOES change... and I have really enjoyed watching your progress...

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  4. this piece feels more pared down and simpler than many others you have done. not that the making of it was simpler of course.

    do you still live by the ocean?

    i am so in admiration that you effected a move with no fuss that we knew about anyway and here i am still running the treadmill.

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    1. Suki, Thank you...funny how the simple ones take just as long or longer to create than others!
      Yes, I still live by the ocean and every move has its own dynamic...I believe it took me a couple years to sell, pack and make the actual move.

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  5. In this piece I see your interest in ancient gardens and it is so inspiring. Partially exposed ancient mosaic floors come to mind. Your work is actually a form of excavation, scraping back the layers to discover (re-discover) all the things that inspire you.

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    1. Robyn, Your words inspire me! Thank you for 'seeing' this piece in such a thoughtful way!

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  6. I love this piece - it looks almost encaustic, until I enlarged. I know what you mean about work changing, isn't it amazing? And, if I go near my sewing machine something bad usually happens - one day...

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    1. Patti, Thank you...I would have never guessed this piece looked encaustic!
      I'm so glad you stopped by!

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  7. That blue - you nail that hue. Love the color contrast in this one.

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    1. Karen, This is my all time favorite color and I love all colors but this one touches my heart! And your favorite?

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    2. That's a great question! I think a medium denim blue is a very comforting color for me. I'm planning my next couch to be sort of a slate/denim fabric.

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