Working

I'm listening very hard these days for the voice, my authentic voice that is. It wants me to make something by combining these two elements.

 
 So even though I can imagine how I'll do it, I can't really picture exactly how it will turn out. But isn't that why we make art? For the surprise and satisfaction of creating something we never even imagined?

On a more down to earth note, I changed my blog's appearance a little--hope it makes for a more pleasant visit. And since I probably haven't lately, I want to thank everyone who reads this. I love your supportive and thought provoking comments!

Hanging Collages

Avoid methodology. If what you're doing is about technique, that's not art. 

(Kay WalkingStick)

canvas on fabric with mixed media, D. Jaouen

 This quote caught my attention--I think you need to know technique so you can forget about it. My temperamental sewing machine is actually giving me what I need these days. I'm wanting a tentative, random feel for the decorative stitching on these two pieces and my difficult machine is perfect for that. It is also managing the construction seams that need to be sturdy and provide strength.

©D. Jaouen

Did I mention I feel like I can sew however I want now, since I've been sewing for many years? Kind of like drawing however I please, scribbling if I want (so there). I'm sure you agree.

Next up, I'm going to start a new painting series soon. I'm excited! What are you up to these days?

Fiber, Paper and Sewing Machines

A recent Art Propelled post provided a lot of creative fodder for me, as usual. One of the artists that resonated is Kathi De Jonge. I was very inspired by the papier maché pieces on her website.

I've been looking for some images of roughly sewn canvas and burlap, however I haven't found much by googling so I'll just show you what initially attracted me to Kathi's work. Can you tell I'm really liking the rust these days?

Kathi De Jonge 'Scraps 1'Oil, Mixed Media on Panel 30 x 30 x 6

Isn't this gorgeous?

Lately I've been thinking about sewing--a lot! In fact, that's probably the creative activity I've been doing the longest. Since I was around 7. Actually, I stopped for the past 10 years or so, but now I'm ready to start up again. I've been tuning up my trusty Kenmore. I learned here that any vintage Kenmore with a 158 in the model number is a very good machine. So I will keep mine 35 more years! It spent around 15 years in the tropics, on a sailboat for a while exposed to salt air. Then it got to live ashore (as did I) but still had to run off a transformer for all that time. What a good little machine, it's had its quirks but don't we all?

This is one of my new fiber collages. In keeping with some of my other work, I mixed refined (the netting and the sparkly flowers hehe) with distressed (the recycled vintage dishtowel at upper right). I'm trying to source some more rough, gnarly fabric, or maybe I'll distress some. That sounds like fun actually.

Tumblr /Etsy Update, Zen and the Art of Not Expecting

Jester Papier Mache Sculpted Jewelry Box

I am now enjoying Tumblr, which is pretty easy after all. No need to be intimidated, just make an account and have fun with it. I'm finding it great just as a place to keep images and quotes that I like, nothing too ambitious so far.

Squared Zen Nest Papier Mache Sculpted Box

In Etsy news, I'm now on the Vast Team--only for art that hangs on the wall, but I have a lot of that! I have kicked off a "Holiday Gifting" sale on all giclee prints, laser prints and original mixed media collages in my shop.

Round Zen Nest Papier Mache Sculpted Bowl

And I have more papier maché boxes and bowls, for keeping one's go-to jewelry safe and cosy on your dresser or shelf. For those pieces of jewelry that you wear all the time--or, for special pieces you just want to pamper! They are made from kozo paper from Thailand, 1900's glossy newpapers from France and modern maps. They also get drawn on, and glazed with various light washes of color. They're enjoyable to make and always turn out a little differently than I think they will. This is good, as it keeps me from getting attached to a result. Layering the paper is not unlike hand building a pot or ceramics piece. I remember my frustration in college when my pieces would come out of the kiln unrecognizable due to the glaze yielding unpredictible results. If only I'd adjusted my expectations! I should probably try ceramics now and see if my midlife wisdom protects me from disappointment. Ha ha!

Beach Find

I came across this on a freezing March day on a windy Chesapeake Bay beach. It seems to be from some kind of water craft--a pedal boat or something lightweight? not a boat as it doesn't seem substantial enough. I've found that pieces of boat make the best driftwood, although having spent years living on boats, it creeps me out to think of them sinking.

The Lovely Pipes

Black aluminum vase from recycled pipe, 2010, Paula McCullough

If you're never been to PaulaArt's etsy shop, you are in for a treat! Besides a whole variety of vases made from reclaimed pipe, this talented artist has created candle holders and clocks from found materials like railroad fish tie plates and rusted railroad nuts.

I love these industrial and rustic materials used in sophisticated ways to showcase their wabi-sabi qualities. If you're into wood, you will not be disappointed, as Paula is offering a series of collectible assemblages from reclaimed pieces of redwood.

Check out Paula's blog too. She's inspiring!

p.s. That vase in the photo is MINE now! the precioussssss

Glorious Imperfection

Wabi-sabi is a concept that you’ve probably encountered in some context, even if it wasn’t identified with its cool Japanese name. It’s the ancient Japanese art of seeing beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, rustic and primitive.

Wabi now connotes rustic simplicity, freshness or quietness, and can be applied to both natural and human-made objects, or understated elegance. It can also refer to quirks and anomalies arising from the process of construction, which add uniqueness and elegance to the object. Sabi is beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs. (thanks wikipedia)

When I first became aware of wabi-sabi, I thought it summarized perfectly my fondness for “destructed” surfaces. Then I started seeing wabi-sabi mentioned a lot, mostly in the context of artwork. You know how it happens—once you’ve noticed something you see it everywhere! Anyone else fascinated by imperfection and character? I'd love to hear about it if you are.