Friday, June 06, 2008

Thanks to everyone that got in touch after my article in Workshop on the Web. I was overwhelmed with the response. So pleased you liked it. Theres another one coming up in September, totally different, more about that closer to the time.
Thanks too for all the interest shown in the Fibre in-Form website and the online workshops which Carol and I hope to provide some time soon.

My May swap partner for the Calendar Girls 2008 was Debbi and this is the card I sent her.I used the same technique as I did for the 'quilts' I showed recently. Quilted and painted calico with painted Tyvek paper on the top.I wanted to use the wording on this months calendar page rather than the picture itself and I also wanted to use the techniques that I have been working on lately.
So I quilted a piece of calico for the background which I then painted with acrylics – the usual mix, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold and Paynes Grey – and rubbed over the top with Treasure Gold.
I then painted some 100 gms Tyvek paper with Walnut Ink followed by a wash of acrylic paint in the above colours. Pieces were then cut out using the soldering iron, stitched down with gold thread followed by a rubbing of Treasure Gold.
I printed the slogan on one piece and in the centre of the heart I printed a footprint – a Buddha footprint. Which both show up much better than they do in the photographs.The Buddha footprint has various symbols on it representing different meanings which I have explained on the Calendar Girls blog. Take a look there too at the other wonderful cards that have been created. As Doreen says, the bar keeps being raised each month :)

I have now finished the 'quilt' for the ALQS and it will be delivered to my partner shortly. I always put quilt in 'quotation marks' as I'm not sure how others feel about calling this piece a quilt as it isn't really one in the traditional sense of the word. Maybe it would fit in the category 'Art Quilt'?I was quite pleased with the 'pole' I made especially for the photograph. Its just a cardboard tube with tyvek paper attached that has been stained with Walnut Ink and then painted with a wash of acrylics.

A few weeks back I bought a new pair of shoes/trainers and they came in this wonderful box.Couldn't resist doing something with the fly. Do hope this isn't breach of copyright. I scanned him (?) in...changed the scan to greyscale, tidied it up a bit, printed it off... and did my bit with him - twice - using acrylic paints, inks and organza. Early days yet though :)

Sometime ago in the Saatchi Gallery there was a piece on display by Damien Hurst. It was a framed piece, about a metre square. From a distance the little jewels caught the light and it looked fabulous, very beautiful and intriguing. Closer inspection revealed it to be a mass of tightly packed bluebottle flies. It was disgusting. Such a strange feeling to be both awe inspired and revolted at the same time.

19 comments:

chrissythreads said...

Focusing on your remarks about Damien Hurst piece -many moons age when I was teaching Calligraphy a piece was featured in one of our exhibitions which included 'squashed bugs' (def. not my thing as I prefer my bugs alive and kicking or depicted!) this piece ended up being stolen and we could never decide if it had been removed in disgust by someone or stolen in delight. I definitely prefer your use of the fly.

sharon young said...

I was very interested by your experience of Damien Hurst's piece as a friend of mine who is currently doing a degree in fine art was recently told to aim for exactly the same effect !!
I love what you're doing with the bug and as you've changed the source by more than 50% you should be fine re copyright :-)
The art quilts look brilliant on the pole, very clever.
And as you know I love what you've done with the PC, and thanks for the in-depth explanation.
Thanks for dropping in on my blog I must admit I was pretty pleased with my purchases too !

Carol said...

This card is terrific, and the pole makes the quilt even more special. I wish that I was the one getting the quilt!

Doreen G said...

Lynda that fly is amazing I love the look of the wings.

Shirley Anne Sherris said...

Everything about Damien Hurst makes me cringe. Like your bugs thought - at least they are representational and not 'real'.
Good idea for the pole - will keep it in mind.
Cheers

Unknown said...

The card is great and I love your Artquilt. The colour is stunning.I have to google for Damien Hurst, I never heard of him but I love what you did with the bug.

Unknown said...

Debbi will love her card, great technique, your partner will be wanting the pole you did such a good job.
Love what you did with the fly, not the prettiest of creatures,LOL

Penny said...

I love the fly, and what you have been doing, very inspiring but somehow I am not finding the time I would like to try more of your ideas. Thought the WOW article was fantastic.

neki desu said...

Indians from Brazil, i believe, use those iridescent bugs to make capes. Talk about being green and carbon free (^^)
Want to see more of the bug piece, please.
Also very curious about your on line workshops

neki desu

AmyB said...

I, for one, love your little art quilt, and do not thing you should apologize for it's (perceived lack of) "quiltiness." Were I your swap partner (am I?!), I'd be thrilled!

Jaqi said...

How unusually wonderful, very eye catching , makes you want to reach out and touch it, very nice, Jaqi

Micki said...

Wonderful stuff as always, Lynda. Love the colors of both the PC and the quilt.

Caroline Moore said...

Fabulous Art Quilt, love the card too - you have an amazing way of working with fabric and paint - truly inspirational.

Jackie said...

I don't know how I found you but here I am. the first thing I read aboiut you was that were a 40 something textile student..I was once the same! Enjoyed reading your blog, I was in W.o.t.W last issue.Exciting isn't it?

ewa-christine said...

GREAT!!!

Ruth said...

Lynda - I love the quilt and think that you have nothing to apologize for. I've been trying to write this comment all weekend but am having a computer snafu. Anyways - keep up the wonderful inspiration!

Ro Bruhn said...

This is a fabulous card, I love what you've been creating. I have a link on my blog to a lady who's creating wonderful rust, you might be interested in her technique, if you don't already know it.

annette emms said...

Wow Lynda, your artwork is stunning and I'd like to thank you for sharing the techniques.
The article in W.O.W. was very good, I just can't wait to have a go!
By the way, I loved the shoes that Pippa sent you, she's so clever!
Best wishes, Annette

Unknown said...

This fly of yours is so beautiful! I am greatly impressed by your work!
~Emily