I was out of sorts after burying Zelda. After writing about her, I didn’t know what to do.
I went from one idea to the next in my studio, not being able to focus on any one thing. I wished I had my quilt batting so I could back my new quilt, but it hadn’t come yet.
At one point I pulled the box of doilies out from under my work table and started laying doilies out on the red quilt piece I had cut as a backing for fabric painting. My heart wasn’t in it, but as I laid down the doilies and lace, I saw a figure emerging.
My first thought was that I didn’t want to make a single figure, but then I reminded myself not to think. I was either going to let this happen or not. And if I was, trying to think it through wasn’t going to help.
So I moved the doilies around, layering them on top of each other, arranging and rearranging them until there she was.
I still don’t know what to make of her. There’s a butterfly doilie that is hardly visible on her pelvis. And her face is a spiral circled with roses.
I haven’t begun to stitch her down, and I’m wondering if she should be on a less complicated background so she stands out more. And if I tea stain the butterfly or even dye it a light color it will be more visible too.
But I won’t do any more work on her tonight. And UPS just delivered my batting, so I may let her sit for a day or so. I don’t want to rush into any decisions.
My, what a strong looking woman. Nothing better than a woman in Red. Especially love what you placed for the head.
She does look strong doesn’t she Barbara. I’m glad you saw that too.
I love this piece. It is so powerful and beautiful. I think you are right. It might stand out more on a less complicated background. Your judgement is usually correct as I suspect it stems from your intuition. Trust your judgement and go for it.
Thanks Jane, she a surprise to me.
Your art resonates with me often. I got a huge smile when I saw what was appearing here. I can’t wait to see how she continues to emerge and develop for you (and all of us who get to benefit from your wonderful work).
I love to hear that Ruth. It’s good to know you’re out there, thanks for that and for letting me know.
I saw the butterfly at once and believe it’s subtle simplicity and evocative indication of beauty and flight suffices unto itself.
I love to hear that Amy Thank you. Sometimes those subtleties are hard to photograph but work well in person. But only a few people get to see my work in person (usually me and the person who buys it) that I feel I sometimes think of my work in terms of how it photographs. This is a good reminder.