Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Ancient Gate

12"x12", embroidery, machine stitching, screen print with metallic fabric paint, paper, painted cloth, aqua metallic thread, dark blue satin.

I "found" this gate in a piece of abstract screen printing that had been laid aside for months. Once I cut out a gate shape, the story of the ancient garden began on my journal pages. Writing about secret mystical gardens, walled gardens and how the garden might appear in both daylight and starlight. I've had this aqua metallic thread for years and was so happy to finally use it for the first time. Each corner has a piece of tattered fringe denoting the four corners (directions) of the world. I did finally get my camera to pick up the sheen and color of the dark blue satin but at the same time I lost some of the depth of the metallic fabric on the gate. Oh well, I need about three more pieces to complete the journal I'm creating so it's onward to the work table!

It's been a perfect Indian Summer. Our High Holidays are over...yesterday we walked the beach still barefoot watching the birds and sailboats. Today the wind has picked up! The evenings are getting shorter and I've ordered some new thermal tops...yes, it is all changing!

16 comments:

  1. A beautiful piece! Will this become a journal cover?

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    1. Gina, Thank you. So far I have "Pocket of Cures" as my working cover but everything is still in the pulling together stage.

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  2. Love this gate Maryanne and how it sparked an unfolding story. Love the weay the gate is quite otherworldly ... very mythic! Stars are lovely too... can just imagine the change you describe ... the wind picking up and all!

    Thanks always for coming ... falling into being settled now!
    x

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    1. Sophie, Thank you, I was trying for otherworldly ancient...so glad you like it.
      Yes, the weather changes are quite remarkable this week...had the heater on this morning!

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  3. gosh, all I can say is wow! I know I said it on FB, but for some reason this really just knocks me over,,, such reverence... and perfect little stars.. cannot wait to see the journal completed...

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    1. Caterina, You can say WOW anytime...very much appreciated! I'm anxious for the journal to be finished...not very good at all this photo, text...wish I understood how to break the rules and make the pages pop in interesting design elements.

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  4. just stunning - it reminds me of a set design hinting at a story about to come - yah, thermal sounds right! - boots coming out too, xo

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    1. Jeane, Thank you...set design is such a wonderful compliment!
      Warm scarves (bought at Thredup) will be needed soon!

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  5. I love this piece. You have caught something magical and old in the colors and textures. I love how the fabric patterns surrounding the castle suggest a garden. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you so much...this fabric business is quite a challenge as is the photography of the metallic. Also, thank you for your good wishes on this new year...much appreciated!

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  6. The golds and the blues, gorgeous, with those bits of warming orange. A lovely gateway to walk through as autumn approaches.

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    1. It has come full circle...I have been using fabric as my art making for a whole year! I have learned so much and now I feel as if I'm beginning. Thank you...the gate is an important image to me!

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  7. So magical and mystical..your words..your art...always a treat!

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    1. Lyn, I'm sticking with magic and mystical...it helps my reality!

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  8. I love the metalic against the blue sky!

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    1. Thank you! My screen shows a very light shiny metallic and in 'real life' the metallic has a darker more mottled color...oh well...need to work with the new camera! The blue is true!

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