Wilderness Lamp

7"x15", muslin, cotton, suede, satin ribbon, trim, newsprint, embroidery, machine stitching, copper beads.

I began this piece with stitching together leftover stamped fragments on this rose/pink cloth. First the stars, moon and sun and then machine stitching. Started to look like a center part of a lantern (I like lamp shapes) so I added this suede cloth for the top and mottled brown for the base. I bought the suede way back 25 years ago so this became a perfect choice to finally use it. After adding beads and ribbon it felt complete to me. I see this lamp as a metaphor for lighting my way into new work. Below is an excerpt from my journal that speaks of this internal lamp:         Could this be my needed lantern? Not a direction but a companion for travels unknown to me. I'm facing new places, lists, templates and fabrics. Maybe now spirits can be lifted and I might move forward. The fool is met and guided. The lonely heart is held once again and hope returns.    I'm challenging myself to 9 or 10 larger pieces with a strong ancient storyline...so I'm pleased about beginning!

RED + Nine

This is a re-post of my first post way, way back to March 3rd, 2008. I did this to honor "Search for Roy G Biv" day. On the third Thursday of each month, I'll be posting (along with other artists) a photo representing the color (red) for this month. All this began for me over at the blog: Jennifer Coyne Qudeen ... check it out!!

These 9 little canvas pieces represent some of my first steps in combining fabric with paint and other media. I remember using an assortment of paint rags, silk, organza and paper ... machine stitching it all together in a random circular fashion. The fabric pieces were glued to canvas and colored stones, wire, paint and gold leaf were added. The Human and Divine was my inspiration as I was enjoying the idea of what each one of us might look like as bits of beauty in a star-like swirling shape.

Restoration M103

14"x16", painted fabric, embroidery, machine stitching, handmade stamps, blue fabric pen, paper napkin, satin ribbon.
Had a good time putting these three embroidery pieces together. I hadn't planned on palm trees but one thing led to another. I saw an ancient fan like carving on a museum site and next thing I'm cutting into a rubbery stamp. I've learned so much using fabrics, beads and embroidery in my art making this past year. One of the things I have learned to accept about me is my strong color palette...I just can't seem to work with neutrals for any length of time before I pop in some purple etc...! The key always for me comes back to breaking loose of patterns and counter that with accepting personal ways of mark making ... a fine but not so easy balance.
On New Year's Eve day I'm going to settle down with notebooks, study books and find a plan on how to proceed in 2014, an outline of sorts. I'll also find a new word ('stillness' this past year has been wonderful) that will act as both an anchor and or wings to the days ahead. I know I plan on reminding myself that this is the year I learn to delete my camera photos and get rid of that pesky date that shows up, more important plans too. Later I'm going to meet with husband at the beach and share our writing ... a mini retreat ... hope to finish off with a nice ritual, maybe wrapping up our written plans, maybe a ritual burning or maybe we will just haul it all home for reference. It will be cold out there so our sharing will be to the point!
However you approach the New Year ... I wish you all health and happiness. Crossing over to the New Year, a year never lived before ... 2014!