Yikes! Eleven Days Since My Last Post!

 (Above:  The Virgin of Pioneer Cemetery, detail. Click on any image to enlarge.)

Last November is always a busy time in a custom picture framing shop, even one like mine that was forcibly downsized over a decade ago.  So, I've been busy getting other people's artwork into professional presentations but I really haven't neglected my own studio work.  I've simply neglected to post over the past eleven days! 

(Above:  The Virgin of Pioneer Cemetery.  Framed: 22 1/4" x 18". Image transfer on fabric with both hand and machine embroidery, beading, and trapunto (stuffing from the reverse for a slightly three-dimensional effect.  $150.)

During this time, I've finished several new pieces but mostly I'm at work on a new, large piece.  It won't be done for at least another week.  Why?  Well, I ran out of Golden's GAC 200/Fabric Stiffener.  I'm also waiting on a new shipment of UV filtering, artist-grade epoxy.  Some things just require more time.  Fortunately, I have other projects going too ... including a few new image transfers on fabric ... like this one taken in Pioneer Cemetery, Yuma, Arizona.  The machine stitching goes really fast, but I'm also quite quick with the hand stitching and beading.

 (Above:  Saint Anastasia.  Framed 15" x 12 1/2". Image transfer on fabric with hand and free-motion stitching, beading, and trapunto (stuffing from the reverse). The piece is attached to the outside of a rustic red frame using assorted upholstery tacks. $200.)

I also finished Saint Anastasia.  The image is smaller than the one I a year-and-a-half ago.  (CLICK HERE to see the first work using this picture.)  While the machine stitching and the seed stitched background went quickly, the dense beading on the halo took several nights.  Every bead is individually attached.

 (Above:  I Never Liked How My Uncle Touched Me, The Wall of Ancestors.  13 1/2" x 15 1/2".)

I've also made three more pieces that I seriously don't need but couldn't help but to take the time to make!  I only have one upcoming solo show for my installation Anonymous Ancestors.  There are already more than 225 individual pieces for the walls.  Yet, there was something a little creepy about this anonymous, old photo.  The woman's smile looked a bit ackward.  The man's hand seemed ill placed.  I had the antique frame.  I couldn't help myself.  I had to make this piece.

(Above:  Give A Damn, The Princess and the Pea.  Collage on public domain photo from the Library of Congress with collaged letters. Framed: 13" x 16". $95)

I also don't need to be making more work for March's Alternative Storytellers exhibit, a collaborative show with Flavia Lovatelli and Olga Yukhno.  The space isn't that large.  I have enough work but ideas keep coming to me.  I couldn't help but to bring a twist to The Princess and the Pea ...

 (Above:  Give a Damn, Goldilocks.  Collage on public domain image from the Library of Congress with collaged letters. Framed: 16" x 14". $95.)

... and to Goldilocks.  In both tales, the women seem selfish, picky, and entitled.  The flip side might just be that both really cared a lot!  They gave a damn!

(Above:  The Key to Nirvana Forever.)

I also created this special key as a commission for a friend.  It incorporates a few items she donated to my stash.