Things are getting more and more eccentric at Casa de la Swain. Changing styles in my textile work, falling in love again with painting and photography...and then there is the ever illusive quest for continuing creativity through working with Eric Maisel. Still on the road teaching, posting now at the Ragged Cloth Cafe and taking the pledge to keep handmaiden up to date.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Warning! Woman at Work





Spent the better part of the week in the studio...see results above and below. Started on Monday with enlarging the first of the designs for the cliche series...the thing with the hearts and the big "m." Started to work on it that day and have results.

This is a very different series for me but will lead to some more abstract letter forms soon. As a former calligrapher and a lover of all things pen and paper since childhood, this seems a natural progression. I love the lines of letters and the brushstrokes of calligraphy....sigh! To me they are the purest form of language....communication as art.

While I have been searching for the next image that interests me, I have done tons of photography and painted numerable canvases...is that a word? Of course, as always, the next thing is something you have always loved. You just have to get out of the way so that the message comes through your "little grey cells."

While the "big m" piece may mean nothing to you now, when it is finished I will reveal the cliche....all will be revealed. Or if the title happens to be obvious, let me know. Then I would know the idea is working.

The below photograph is a background I am piecing for the "re-do" of Last Leaf. No I am not in my blue period but searching for enough fabric to do a winter palette. My faithful Viking #1 had to visit hospital while I was gone but is now home resting in place. Fully recovered and ready to go to work.

I would sew today as well, but editing calls. Amazing how an attitude change can also change your energy. I am either going full tilt or not moving at all. Learning to love both states is the hardest thing for a creative person but they are both valuable if you honor them.

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2 comments:

Karoda said...

i first thought "home is where the heart is"...

hope to see ya next year in paducah ;)

Anne said...

My first thought was Mother's Day--we'll stay tuned!