This is my attempt at gate 5 and the subject is angels/messengers. Two strong thoughts inspired me. One is that I believe we act as angels/messengers for one another. I can't count all the times when I have overheard a strangers remarks or read an excerpt on a blog that changed my perspective completely. I don't know if I have returned the favor but I'd like to think so.
My second inspiration comes from viewing photos of ancient cave complexes with carved out niches used for dove keeping. Can you imagine living underground? These beautiful doves had many uses but I see them as pure messengers in flight. The paper collage strips are actual black and white photographs of the ancient dove niches. So my thoughts on all the ways we receive blessed messages helped create this piece.
Rust printing was a highlight of gathering cloth for this piece. Fun to add my corroded nails, washers to muslin shapes and tying these bundles to soak in a white vinegar and water bath. It only took a few days and I was happy with the results especially after, rinsing, soaping scrubbing, drying and ironing!
Now for a couple days of clean-up and then to new work!
What a beautiful piece. Love your thoughts about it, as well.
ReplyDeleteConnie Rose, Thank you ... this one gave me fits but I finally got to the place of feeling done.
Deleteas always, I'm totally taken with the complexity of this body of work. Each piece such an intimate expression. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteJeane, This has been one of my most inspired series and I've learned so much ... stitching is a real challenge too!
Deletewell I think it is an amazing piece and I love your thoughts about being angels for each other...
ReplyDeleteCaterina, Thank you, here we are leaving one another messages ... the best kind of angel talk! These cloth pieces pull all my abilities into play, composing, color, texture and always story!
DeleteI see so many things in this one, Mary Ann - wind-blown fields, a road, a gate to the stars - wonderful! I also like what you said about being messenger/angels for each other; I think this is true.
ReplyDeleteSharmon, Thank you ... I know for sure I planned on the gate to the night stars, the rest is homage to the angels in all of us!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary Ann, you have been an angel to others through your work and your blog.
ReplyDeleteCarole, Oh I would like to think so ... thank you ... I'm smiling from this ear to the other!
DeleteA line playing in my head..." Morning in the Bowl of Night Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight" . I don't think this is the first time that one of your pieces has reminded me of poetry by Omar Khayyam. A lovely thought that we act as angels or messengers for each other. Many a time I hear or read something that is important for me to know at that particular time.
ReplyDeleteRobyn, What beautiful words ... thank you.
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