Keeping this blog has helped me gain some insight into my own creative process in unexpected ways. For instance, I’ve often thought about taking pictures of the development of a piece but never had the discipline to carry it out. This blog has helped inspire me to do it!
This new piece, a continuation of the Roots of Rhythm series, was inspired by some of the luscious luminous greens, gray-greens and other pastel silks that I recently dyed. It’s a very different palette for me so it’s taken a while to explore and understand the relationships between these colors-i.e. how will this color look next to that color. It’s a quiet palette. I think of the phrase “sotto voce” when I’m working.
I started with a piece of green cotton for the base and couched on a variegated yarn that I love. I then began fusing on interior cell shapes cut from a beautiful piece of silk charmeuse I dyed:
Roots of Rhythm VI in process 1
Decisions had to be made. Should I fill all the cells or leave some solid green? I stared at it for many days and finally made the choice to fill them all.
Roots of Rhythm VI in process 2
Over the past several weeks I’ve free cut and fused the inner cellular shapes from a palette I struggled to keep “quiet” but also have some “rhythm”:
Roots of Rhythm VI in process 3
It’s now sitting on my design wall awaiting clarity about stitching color and pattern and which direction to take with the strip of green on the right…
August 13, 2009 at 9:53 pm |
I really like this one! The process pictures are cool too. You should keep it up. Then I can tell you when its not symetrical enough! 😛
August 14, 2009 at 3:41 pm |
Hey Caitlin! I know I can rely on you to keep me symmetrical!
August 23, 2009 at 4:04 pm |
This is lovely! It’s great to watch it grow and see the decisions you make along the way.
August 24, 2009 at 3:53 pm |
Thanks, Robin! I’ve learned it’s actually helpful for me to look back, too. Sometimes I finish a piece and move on to the next one without “digesting” what I learned while making the last one.
Karen
September 8, 2009 at 1:20 pm |
Hi Karen,
I’m interested in how you handle the fused materials. I find it difficult to hand-stitch through layers of fused fabrics. Do you have the same difficulty and if so what is your work-around?
September 8, 2009 at 3:20 pm |
Hi Martha,
Most of the stitching I do is by machine.
The hand stitching I do is with pearl cotton, embroidery thread or yarn. I use larger embroidery needles because I need a larger eye to thread through. I try not to go through all the fused layers but slide the needle under the topmost layer. Even so, I agree with you- it sometimes takes some muscle and results in sore fingertips! Try experimenting with the angle you’re stitching. I sometimes find it easier when I’m stitching with the needle pointed away from me-I’m not sure why!
Karen