Twelve "Windows" underway!

(Above: Group of twelve pieces in my "Window Series. The "construction" phases is mostly completed ... polyester stretch velvets backed with WonderUnder/Bond-a-Web on recycled acrylic packaging felt. They are ready for another layer of previously painted WonderUnder and sheer chiffon scarves ... then free motion machine embroidery. Scroll down to see how that looks! Click on any image in this post to enlarge.)

Since finishing my entry for Runaway Runway, a fashion show of recycled materials, I went to work on an ambitious project ... the creation of twelve new "Windows". Generally, I do work on more than one of these at a time but certainly never this many. The "gift of time" is really what this residency is all about.



So ... here I am stitching in paradise! The photo was taken by one of the other artists-in-residence, Kristin Michelle, an actress who is appearing at The Waterfront Theater's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee". It took only about eight or nine hours of constant stitching to complete all twelve. At home, this time would be divided between several days. Here ... it was yesterday!



So, now I've got the same twelve pieces ... with a layer of previously painted WonderUnder and a collage of chiffon scarving and stitched with 100% black cotton thread. This morning I started the melting process ... which actually takes me longer than the stitching. By tomorrow, I'll probably be ready to post the finished work! (The photos were taken with the pieces laying on the front porch of my residency cottage.


(Above: Aquarium at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.)

Each day, however, I don't just work, work, work. This is Key West! I have to take time to explore the place. Recently I rode my bicycle around the edge of the island ... by the Gulf side harbor, down Duvall Street, past the Atlantic Ocean's sandy beaches, around the airport, and back down Scenic Hwy. 1. I've also visited the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and seen the film swim down through the mangroves to the coral reef's depth.



In town, I went to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum and enjoyed the actor guides humorously educate visitors on the riches from wrecking. In 1852 Key West was the richest city per capita in the entire United States ... funds from salvaged cargo.



The artifacts were great!



I especially liked the ivory handled toothbrushes!



One of the best things at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum is its rooftop platform, a view to the ocean ...



... and a view over Key West!



On another afternoon I went to St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Duvall Street. The stained glass windows on the sanctuary floor level are installed to swing open to the world ... quite a unique and tropical place of worship.



I lit a candle ... thankful for this opportunity!