Wednesday, September 23, 2009

More studio work

Like I said in my last post, I am really loving the project that Kristi and Susan
came up with for this years retreat.
I am continuing to enjoy working on it - it actually has taken on a life of its own...
dictating what I do, where I put things...
how I spend me time...
Isn't that just awesome when it happens?

when your art work leads you.

Here is a collage that I did.
I used an ink jet print (that I did at my buddy Judy's house) of a chickadee that I painted.
Throw in a corner of a page from a book that I'm tearing up - I mean utilizing- in my work.
Mix in a few tiny little buttons from my mom's immense collection... a few twigs from Sally's collection, a scrap of brown bag, a lil' bitty safety pin, vintage paper and a lot of time moving it all around and around on a piece of dupioni silk...

I love the sheer fabric and how it looks on this collage.

Here's a picture of the two pages that I have secured in the book. I'm still working on the other two.
I have a favorite quote that I use from time to time in my art work.
Do you?
I layered the quote, some scrim and a fern frond on a hand made tag (oh and a few teeny tiny crystals).
Jeez - I forgot that I also added some beads that were given to me from a friend that lives in Hawaii. They're made from shells!
The quote is partially covered up but I really wanted everyone to be able to read it in its entirety.
So I added the entire quote on the back of the tag.


I love using all the tiny charms and beads that I have. I suppose that I should confess here that I collect them...
Along with a bunch of other stuff too...
It's a curse but also a blessing.
A curse because I can't seem to throw away much of anything.
A blessing because I see the beauty and potential in each and every thing that I see in this world.
Do you?
Do you really appreciate the things around you?
That feather dropped by a bird,
the little rock that could hold a special place in your art work?
What about your tea bags? The cute little tags they have on them?
Or the buckles on old shoes or handbags?
Have you considered what you can do with items from your junk drawer?
Ha - I know that you have one...
But seriously, try looking at each and every item in a different way -
look at it from a "repurposing" stand point.
You may actually be surprised at what The Universe hands you...

5 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Carol! i love how you ahve layered all of the elements on this piece!! Your painting of the Chickadee is simply wonderful- chickadee's are one of my favorite birds- theya re so industrious and trusting. theyw ere also my grandmother's favortie bird. She had a very ehavy Swedish accent and she pronounced it Shickadee- that is what we will always call them!!
thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work!!!
hugs!
elizabeth

Julie Bagamary said...

WOW! Very nice!

Mary said...

Carol this is wonderful.
I too love the Chickadee, such a cheerful little bird, always a welcomed sight at my feeders. Love the colors you used here, and the texture if amazing. I can see many more such creations in your future - you have a talent for combining things in a visually appealing way.

Joanne Huffman said...

You have spent your studio time very wisely. Very nice art! And, I love the quote on the back of the tag.

Martha Lever said...

WOW,,this is wonderful. Love all the layers and how you put the quote on the tag! ove it!