Or..Emergence II in English.
Emergence II
As I’ve written before, this piece was selected by the US State Department’s Art in Embassies progam to hang in Tirana, Albania. What an honor! I forgot that they also publish a small beautiful booklet for each exhibit and I got my copies yesterday complete with English/Albanian translation. A bonus was the cover image by amazing fiber artist and painter Deidre Adams.
Deidre Adams cover
Tirana artist statement
Shafaqja II
I’ve decided that these new seed creations would each have a gentle convex shape that would emphasis it’s design and structure.
I toyed with the idea of using wire mesh underneath to create the form but I felt I wanted to keep things soft. So using wool batt, a form was made. Then came the (for me) tough problem of how to insure this form would push out the front and not the back! I mickey moused a solution. I’m sure there’s some professional way to do this (if you know please clue me in!).
I’m in the process of dyeing a piece of background charmeuse silk for each seed. A color is auditioning to the left. I’m planning on heavily stitching each background piece and then hand sewing the seed on.
And I have sketches for the third seed shape.
On a roll!
big seed 2 detail
I’m on to working on the second large “dreaming seed” and really enjoying the process. I’m hoping to have at least three ready for my upcoming solo show at Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts (in August-stay tuned for details!).
Each seed has a unique interior dream going on but they will all share a similar color pallette. I’ve never before attempted to create individual pieces that also have a close connection with each other and that will (hopefully) together have a larger visual impact.
Lots of decisions looming, though, about how to mount and hang these. So I’m completing each seed first.
Will I mount each one on stitched fabric or on rigid frames or plexiglass or perhaps bowed out on mesh armatures or…lots of ideas! The brilliant folks in my Art Crit group and in my Fiber Crit group (yes, I’m blessed with two!) all have showered me with a dazzling amount of wild ideas! It’s all percolating and I find myself trying out ideas in my head at odd times during my days-my usual laboriously slow decision process.
I’m working on a continuation of my Seed Dreaming series with some new twists. These will be large stand alone seeds which will then be mounted (somehow…working on lots of options at the moment) on a fixed silk covered frame for hanging. I’m hoping to have at least 3 or 4 done for my upcoming solo show at Mitchell Giddings Fine Art in August.
Here’s a detail of the first completed seed:
new seed- detail
…at the beautiful Mitchell Giddings gallery in Brattleboro, VT on February 11th. I will have work up alongside creations from many amazing artists. I’ll be at the opening! Details below.
The Spaces Between VI will be there!
It seems I often grumble about how difficult it is for me to gather enough clarity and confidence to actually jump in and start a new piece. So for a change, I thought I’d focus on the sweet place of being in the middle.
seed construction zone
Lots of ideas a poppin’. Every time I walk past my design wall (which is in my bedroom!), I want to try a new placement or color or fabric or juxtaposition. Nothing linear here… Just lovely chaos!
And though I will still have moments of doubt, the general feeling is one of excited possibility.
This is why I keep at this art thing.
…but unlike Frank, I have way too many to mention!
Sometimes, when looking at a stunning work of art, I am amazed at the sureness of hand and clarity of vision of the artist. My (hopefully wrong) assumption is that she or he moved forward step by step in an enviably linear fashion to arrive at this balance of line, color and composition in front of me.
My process is messy. Full of confident, full of beans decisions that result, days later, in ripped out stitches and frayed fabric (and confidence). These false starts often do result in new ideas that I’m happier with but I rarely remember that as I’m ripping those stitches out. Years later, I can look at one of my pieces and still see places where I should have headed in some other direction.
A highly valued tool!
Scott Adams (of Dilbert) said:
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
That second part’s a bear sometimes. Am I right?
“The plant is the dream of the seed.” Australian Aboriginal saying.
This quote has inspired me in the past…
Seed Dreaming I
…and is inspiring me again. Large seed shapes are taking root in my studio!
New Seed
Stay tuned.
17 ARTISTS – 3 DAYS
December 4-6
Brattleboro West Arts 2015 Holiday Show and Sale
118 Elliot St, Brattleboro, Vermont
Friday 5:00-8:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-5:00
If you’re close by this weekend, please come and say hello! There will be a rich variety of creations by my artist friends at Brattleboro West Arts and also many of my smaller (more affordable) works priced at over 20% off! They are each mounted on silk wrapped canvas stretchers and ready to hang. I will also have several giclee prints for sale.
Consider giving art.
Roots of Rhythm VIII
Are you near Brattleboro, Vermont?
If so, you have a one time opportunity to see a selection of my smaller mounted pieces. They feature vibrant colors, most with extensive felting and are mounted on silk covered canvas stretchers. Ready to hang.
I am offering these at over 20% off during a 3 day only Brattleboro West Arts group show the first weekend in December. Each would be a lovely gift or addition to your own wall!
Biome IV
Sixteen other fantastic artists will also be displaying their creations! Lots of holiday shopping opportunities! Details:
17 Artists-3 Days
