A little crowing here. Both my books - The Cycle Begins and Lughnasadh have been selected for the EDGE exhibition.
Very pleased as these were worked as I was nursing my husband through a terminal illness.
The power of creativity to keep one going - to find respite for an hour or two - to have ones mind filled with creative dust instead of daily reality.Making these books was my life line.
I wasn`t sure if I could handle rejection but a dear friend made sure I had lovely cups of tea and some wonderful art to view as we waited to call at 2.30.
" Yes both books have been accepted"
Cause for another cuppa and a bun
I have been staying with friends and walking on a West Coast beach. Different seaweed and a few finds.
Weather was abysmal but it was a chance to explore another coastline.
These pole were along one part of the beach. Always in a line of 3 and draped with seaweed. No sand on this beach all shingle.
Seaweed and some drawings from workbook
Some finds but looking for a small dried starfish and a crab.
Cabinet painted at last. Was finding the wood colour distracting when items were placed on it. Now have a better idea of overall look.
Tried a variety of paints until I found this one. This is the effect I was looking for, flat white.
On the beach, found the correct size and shape of wood I was looking for. Just need to work out how to make a fabric seagull to stand on it.
I have been visiting beaches for a few week now and have been unable to get drawings or photos of seagulls. Have been told the tide was in, the tide was out, they are nesting, far out at sea feeding. I am taking my camera to the city when I go on Wed as seagulls have gone urban.
Made another bundle of seaweed, wrapped in gauze this time. Boiling up in an old pot specially for this.
Have brought the first bundle outside as the greenhouse was unbelievably smelly when I came home. This bundle was not boiled, just wrapped at the beach. Think the seaweed may be rotting.
A little peak.
Did not expect this pink colour. Wrapped up again and will leave outside to dry, Really dreadful smell.
This method of marking fabric requires patience.
Was given this card many years ago but still keep it pinned up.
See you next week
BYE BYE.
I attended a morning business meeting with www.kalamkaridundee.co.uk I am a founder member of this textile group but have not managed many meetings this year. It was good to meet up. I now know the timetable I need to work to. "Kalamkari at Aberlady" will be opening on Jan16th - 17th Feb 2016. More information nearer the time.
We are a Textile/Mixed Media group who meet up regularly to talk about our work and plan exhibitions. We set up, with encouragement from our City and Guild tutor Sheila Mortlock, about 7/8 years ago. It is a very supportive group, we share ideas and often raid each others stash of bits and bobs. I came home with some tiny shells and fired up to move" Coastlines" on.
Made it to the beach this week, on a very dull but dry day.
Angus Council has, in the last few years, done lots of work ensuring, sand dunes are protected. May not look very bonny, but it appears to be working, some of the special grass is already colonising the area.
I do like how the beach, when the tide has gone out, leaves these ripples on the sand. These had crushed shells deposited in the valley. Nice texture.
Notices were catching my eye.
Thought touches of red would be useful to keep in mind for future piece.
This looked a bit serious and after last week I thought I`d better turn round but a few families and dog walkers were in the area so I crossed over. No one shouted at me.
This metal one must have been washed up by the tide.
Some of these notices might end up in a piece of work. A paper version.
Pollution/Litter. Tide line full of rubbish.
Sand, Shells, Seaweed and now Litter. 1 jar left to fill. Any idea what it will hold? Tell me as I am not sure myself yet.
Took a long piece of fabric with me and wrapped different species of seaweed in it. Tied it with green rope, I found on the beach. It is all nylon, have not found a natural rope yet.
I have put this in the greenhouse to dry and hope I get some colouring on the fabric. Friend said it looked like a rolled joint of beef. Does beef smell as badly as this?
Really like these shapes. Viewed from different angles. They are called Groynes. Built at right angles to keep the sand from being washed away and to divert the force of the sea, helping to protect the dunes. Angus Council is working hard on protect the coastline.
These bolts and screws just say small textile pieces. Not enough hours in the day so file away for future reference.
Not much stitching this week but now have more source material to work with.
A few days ago I walked the cycle path from Bridge of Weir to Kilmacolm. 7 miles round trip.
These" soldiers" were positioned at the 1/2 mark.
Can you see what they are made from? They did not charge me with their spears and appeared friendly.
Obviously the man in charge. He was positioned on the other side of the track facing his men.
What fun they are.
See you next week.
Bye Bye.
Very little work done on" Coastlines". Not managed a beach visit - weather - other things to deal with.
Will be away for a few days so hopefully when I return I will get working again.
Added a map to 3rd book.
Made 1st postcard, not quite finished.
These were drawn on water soluble paper. Did them to take part in Sketchbook and Experiments For Textiles
Stitched paper to organza and stitched over drawing.
Washed paper away. There is always a residue of paper left. A soft toothbrush gets rid of it
Stitched to postcard. Will need to remove blue stitching it is too dark. Trying to finish it in a hurry I should have made a sample to check colour.
Not a lot for a week. Will try to do better, as teachers used to write on report cards, perhaps still do.
The " The Cycle Begins" and" Lughnasadh" are packed up and ready to be judged.
I will take them to EDGE selection day on Sunday 9th. Fingers crossed they get accepted.
If you are near this gallery do go and view, even if my books are not included.Fingers and toes crossed they do make the selection.
Bye Bye
