3 Dimensional Flowers and Evoking Music

Have I Told You Lately...

Another week in the studio and I am thrilled to have completed three more pieces from my 3 Dimensional Mixed Media Flower Series. The first piece, "Have I Told You Lately...." is set on a hand dyed background that has been discharged to give a light airy touch of foliage. The leaves are made of lutradur and are bobbin stitched with heavy metallic threads to impart the veins. The flower is painted lutradur and has been stitched to give the petals definition. A touch of beads for the stamens sets it off. The entire background was free motion quilted with a lacy foliage motif and set on a wisteria painted canvas measuring 8X10. I love the way the simplicity of this piece is captured.
 

Darlin, You Send Me

The second in the mini series is "Darlin, You Send Me" and measures 8X18. Here, I have opted to frame the piece in wood. Because the size was so unusual, I had to make the frames from scratch, sand and stain the wood and add a backing. I wanted to keep the dimensional aspects in tact so I decided to create this piece in a shadow box like manner. Fabric was adhered to the wood with Mistyfuse and the hand dyed, discharged piece was set on top. The leaves are composed of various materials, some stitched with heavy metallic threads to provide texture for the veins. The stem is composed of machine wrapped cording and the blooms have been painted and stitched. I love the way the rich background colors are set off against the deep chocolate fabric and wood.

Crimson and Clover

The third piece in this mini series, "Crimson and Clover was created in the same style and measures 8X16. You may notice that all of these pieces were named after songs. That is because while creating these pieces, these are the songs that popped into my head: Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Van Morrison, "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke and Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells. Funny, I know but it just seemed destined to be! I hope you enjoyed this post. Thank you for visiting. Please take a moment to check out other artists on Off the Wall Fridays at http://ninamariesayre.blogspot.com/

Working In Series: The Tree of Life and The Giving Tree

Tree of Life

Hello, it is so good to be back again, blogging. I have been spending lots of time in the studio creating new pieces for an upcoming show. Great way to escape the heat outdoors for sure. My design wall is currently filled with three different series that I have been working on and I am having a great time moving from one series to another. Some of you may remember The Giving Tree that I created last year. The response to this piece was so wonderful that I have decided to create a mini series of art done in this vein. The Tree of Life is the second piece in the series and was made in a similar style but with a higher contrast that produces a brighter gem stone like quality. Here, the sky is much lighter in color and therefore allows the colors to come forward in a different way. Part of working in series demands that the pieces all have cohesiveness while still maintaining the integrity of each one. In other words, they are the same style yet each one has its own identity, so to speak.

The Giving tree

Tree of Life

I believe that I have accomplished this task through the second piece in the series. the third one still to come focusses on the tree up close and also has it's own unique voice and is set in a different format. I love the idea of playing with contrast, color and pattern to create new pieces. That being said, The Giving Tree was mounted on a black painted canvas while The Tree of Life was set on a gray colored canvas in order to tone the contrast down a bit. I love this new piece and am hoping it will be received well. Can't wait to bring the third one into play but for now, I am headed to the studio to breathe life into the second set of 3 dimensional flowers still awaiting final assembly. I have to say for me, I love working back and forth from one series to another. I think it allows me to keep a fresh eye on each one while bringing something unique to each individual piece. I hope you have enjoyed this blog post on working in series. Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Mixed Media: Discharging

Good morning and welcome, September! Yesterday, I kicked off the day with some bleach discharging. Have to say, I love the effects and they are so immediately gratifying! Thought I would share some of the pieces that I worked on. The backgrounds are all hand dyed pieces that I have recently created. These pieces were made for samples in my upcoming Mixed Media Art Cloth at the Dougherty Art Center. The second round of classes is starting soon and things are heating up here in Austin. If you are looking for a sampler class of what can be done with cloth, this is a wonderful starting point. The goal of the Textile program is to provide an enriching and rewarding experience for each student working with textiles. The

 

studio is equipped with dyes, paint and tools to make your ideas a reality. Classes are limited to six so they ensure enough space to create and quality individual instruction. You will learn to dye and paint, while focusing on a variety of embellishment techniques including stamping, stenciling, fusing, foiling, beading and stitch work. No prior experience is necessary only a desire to have fun and create. Discharging is one of the many techniques that are taught.

If you are looking for a great way to beat the heat and create art, this is a great way to start. Even better, sign up for the Surface Design class and learn to dye and screenprint some fabulous cloth that can be incorporated into wearable art, accessories or wall art. Classes begin soon. Surface Design Basics will commence September 10 through October 15 and Mixed Media Art Cloth will begin November 5 through December 3rd. Please visit http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Parks/Dougherty/adultclasses/textiles_fall_2013.pdf to sign up and reserve your spot. These would make fabulous gifts for the holiday. To see more creations, please visit me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barb-Forrister-at-Free-Spirit-Fine-Art-Studio/109041795789639?ref=hl . Come join the fun. Hope to see you there!