Friday, February 28, 2014

Ancient Circles

15"x15", all cotton fabric, machine stitching and embroidery, flour paste resist, 4 collaged metal rings.

As the ancient story goes:  Honi the circle drawer drew circles in the sand and then when standing within the circle:  higher worlds would enter, a receiving of a holy presence. When the weather warms a little I plan on taking a stick and going to the beach. After I draw my circle I will stand in the center and I'm sure I will feel the profound space. Of course, I believe that space is everywhere but it will be special to follow the ancient story.
These center cloth circles were created using the flour paste resist method and it was an effort that takes hours of drying time and even after applying the fabric paint ... more drying time. After drying time comes the messy job of rinsing off the flour paste so it is with great anticipation to see the finished results. I so love these circles that I left them alone, I didn't add beads but rather stitched around them.

Onto another project of ancient entrances, doorways and thresholds but first the necessary studio clean up! So far this year has been rich with three new pieces in this series as well as the fun of participating in the search for Roy G Biv!! I'll post Y on March 20th!

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful piece, Mary Ann! Leaving the circles just as they are was the right decision, I think. I love the way you have framed them with stars and stitched fabric.

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    1. Thank you Robyn. These circles have a beauty all their own and didn't need any added touches so stitching around them was my fun. Trying for a fly over view?!

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  2. I like to leave the flour paste on. It makes great texture. x te

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    1. Trace, Interesting to leave the flour paste on ... I will give it a try, thank you.

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  3. As well as the gentle circles within this piece, I see a portal, a doorway or ancient stones placed on one another ...fascinating.

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    1. Thank you, I appreciate your comment as I also see the hints of passageways ... it is so nice to have feedback!

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  4. I'm loving this piece, Mary Ann, and can see why you didn't want to do anything to the circles. That beautiful indigo color with the stars definitely lends a sacred connotation - perfect for communing with the powers that be.

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    1. Sharmon, I'm reading and rereading this comment ... thank you!

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  5. le batik au milieu est superbe aussi!

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