Unearthing the Sacred

This is my first piece in my return to the series "Sacred Vessels" that I explored around 2005. I've been writing in my journal and coming to terms with memories, events and circumstances in my past...one of the perks of being older is that I have plenty of history to draw upon!

This particular piece began by building with my favorite netting and then I tried some silver leaf? Things took a turn and I cut out the vessel from its background. Still not okay and feeling it was one of those failed pieces...I began ripping parts so as to save for future collage. Somewhere in this process, I liked the shapes and stopped to stitch the vessel back together again with a few pieces lost (brown paper backing). I rather like it now and realize it speaks to the memories I've been holding/letting go. In a true sense it was like unearthing sacred parts of my life...go figure?

It now measures 15"x 17", Rives BFK, collage, netting, silver leaf, molding paste, stencil, acrylic and wax thread.

Turning Now

20"x20" Rives BFK, acrylic, graphite, collage, stencil, molding paste. I began with pieces of construction plans that I've kept of a house I owned well over 15 years ago. I just like looking at all the lines, footage and notes...plans for a home...full of potential. As I added in collage and the border stencil I began writing to try to find the autumn connection. I wrote this:

Floor plans displaying the places to load in and shelve summer's carefree memories.
Gone now
Turning from warm sand and eye squinting sun
Foamy waves tickling toes and ankles
Gone now
Turning now to roof lines, windows and necessary built in spaces
Turning and stepping into cool mornings and shadowed yards
Turning now!

I fell in love with this green...not sure about autumn colors as here at the beach there are few reminders of autumn...except of course, the light has changed. My next two pieces are smaller and I'm adding more fabric collage and some lino prints. I like cutting shapes with my tools and rolling out ink...the comfort of old printmaking habits!

Topsy Turvy Tomatoes?

I'm not sure if we'll ever see tomatoes as this spot only receives afternoon sun. Most mornings we have beach overcast. I'm watering and I have some yellow blossoms but I'll need the heat to bring in the beautiful red globes. This area is easy to grow artichokes, lettuce and brussel sprouts...tomatoes not so much!

So I finished my Tableau of my early beach years and posted it in the sidebar. I've been writing and asking myself what will be next? Any journeys? how about explorations...planets...sacred altars, hidden myths?How about quests in the near future...revisiting stories and tales and places unknown? I've also asked myself what work do I admire right now? What do I admire in others work? What is it I like in my own art making? The short answer is I love circles and squares (did a series of sewn circles in little squares and grids) painting and printmaking (compass series) and mixed media of all variety. I read up on the symbols of circles and squares and then into octagons (8) my lifelong number. So here it is for awhile...grids equal for me circles and squares over and over. I'm smiling..I'm excited and just happy to return and begin again with my beloved shapes.

Movie update: Tonight the "Time Traveler's Wife". I imagine everyone has already seen this one as it was a very popular movie. Once again, I'll get out the popcorn and give it a go!