Experimentation

I printed on paper images from my abstract art, photos I had taken and found copy right free images. Then I matte gelled them onto fabric. My next plan is to back with batting and then free motion stitch. Then I plan to paint wash over the whole deal and rub some of it back so the images can peek through. Wonder how it's going to turn out?

Just My Size

Unison is a local arts center near us that - lo and behold! - is sponsoring an art exhibit of small 5x5" art work. Can you imagine how psyched I am about this? Over the weekend I was talking a bit with Melanie about why I like to work small. Manageable is the word that kept coming to mind......I'm able to produce art while living in my often kinetic life, I don't get bored, I can try out ideas without a huge commitment, I can sit quietly with favorite people and stitch while listening to music, or work and get lost in that never, never land of right brainedness that I dwell in so often. Oh....and....I mustn't forget that holding a small piece of textural, fabric art in the palm of my hand is a real visceral pleasure for me.

The piece above (that is not finished) will be a 5x5". It is comprised of one of my abstract paintings printed on silk and then another abstract gelatin print printed on organza and overlaid on the silk. More hand stitching and other textural elements to come.

Love Your Mother

I don't pretend to be a person who does all they are able to help the environment, consume as few fossil fuels as possible or generally practice sustainable living. I grew up as part of the ME generation and those deserving-and-I-owe-it-to-myself thought processes are difficult to realize, acknowledge and change. But I do not know that if there is any chance we humans can turn around or stop the negative impact we've had on the earth (I say this as we continue to emit more carbon dioxide than ever into the atmosphere) it's necessary to stop and think about what each individual can do to adjust their own little piece of the action - NOW. If you think I am an alarmist I encourage you to start reading and watching all the evidence around you. Now is a good time to start hugging a few trees.

Exploration

It seems that water + color can = the piece above. Wednesday night I did my first ever watercolor in art class. It seems once one session of classes is over at the Wallkill River School I immediately sign up for another series of workshops. Pushing your own personal envelopes is a good thing.

Ah Ha!

I had one of those moments last nights. You know the kind....when you try something figuring 'what the heck' and - lo and behold! - the results show promise. I took a gelatin plate print I had done on paper, scanned it into the computer and then printed it on silk fabric. This photo was taken on the run this morning and really does not show the subtle colors and textures very well. This is my new favorite piece (of course favorite pieces hold a tenuous spot in my life) and I think this 'technique' deserves a bit more exploration.

Jewels

This was created by coating sheer fabric with matte gel and then printed by applying textile paints to a gelatin plate. Add a bit of free motion quilting and some hand stitching and call it a day. Gelatin printing gives effects that are just gorgeous - you get these layers and depth of colors that draw you in and engage your attention. Rayna Gillman has written a great book that includes gelatin printing methods and other ideas for altering cloth http://www.studio78.net/ If you at all interested in messing around with paints, dyes and fabric (and getting messy in the process) I encourage you to get her book. Enjoy!

Earthly Elements

Another postcard....painted cotton cloth, free motion quilting, painted cheesecloth, hand stitching and beads. I'm going to try an idea I had for gelatin printing today. If it's successful I'll post the results...if I have less-than-stellar results I might still post the results.

I do like the colors in this piece.