Tuesday, February 23, 2010

packing to fly

Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes. The procedure went very well except for a 9 hour headache that really rocked my schedule. After a good night's rest the headache AND the ass-ache are gone.

Dare I speak the words aloud?  To celebrate I've signed up for a program at work called "Couch to 5K in 9 weeks" which will remain to be seen.

I'm leaving for a short visit with family in NY tomorrow. Don't tell my Dad..it's his birthday and my visit a surprise.

Here is "All Unknowing" mounted permanently on a 20"x24" canvas. I've gotten a ton of questions and comments about my "mummification" process. I think the question that folks are reluctant to ask is "Why are you essentially destroying a fiber piece?".

At first, I was afraid of the change myself.  We don't encourage the handling of finished fiber art work but while you are making it the tactile intimacy is total. Can you think of anything thing else inanimate that you have spent so much time handling? Then to take these tactile impressions and irrevocably turn them into something hard and often harsh to the touch strike people as quite bizarre.
My whole purpose was about the visual impact of the piece. This process is more complex than mere decoupage. With practice I have figured out how to enhance values, retain original appearances and manipulate other visual characteristics and plan on continuing the exploration.

Another consideration was a better and different way to present small textile pieces. Nobody is mistaking any of these for potholders or placemats. These are ready to hang, like any painting.

I hope to have all these recent pieces posted here available in the in the store shortly. If you have any interest before then, just let me know.

5 comments:

Judy Sall Fiber Art said...

I'm so glad to hear the treatment went well, and that the headache has gone! Having been plagued with 2-3 day headaches for longer than I care to admit, I am always sympathetic when I hear someone has a bad one!
BTW, your 'mummification' process is on my 'things to try' board, and I'm going to a craft store today to hopefully get some canvasses to practice on. I love that you have found a way to preserve the fiber, and think it's a great way to display your work!

Jackie said...

Fabulous piece of art work.

Phyllis said...

Headaches are the worst! Glad you are feeling better. I am so remiss with so many blogs the last week. You have been busy with all your fabulous art!

Have fun with your dad and his surprise b'day.

Anonymous said...

saw your doo on faces. beautiful baby.come back to me. love ya, jim

Catherine V. Bainbridge said...

Hmmm intersting last post!

Hi Deb,

This is a FABULOUS piece. It looks so nice all pasted up and mounted. Excellent! Locely composition.

Glad your back/ass/head are better.