Black God

http://www.flickr.com/gp/10060630@N06/XFH23E
I've been trying to figure out how to create a link for longer than it took to create a Flicker account, upload 26 images, and create a "collection". I've so admired other people's pictures on Flicker. Anyway, with any luck, I've done it. The LINK should take you to see transfers of digital photos of authentic African artifacts on pages from the book Black God. Each page was then hand beaded onto two pieces of handmade and/or decorative paper. Most are matted and shrink wrapped. Five are framed. I've got a bunch more of these to do...but they are fun and relaxing...especially in front of the television.

Strata XI, Geodes

Strata XI isn't like any of the others...except it is. What makes this a series is the fact that each is created on an adhesive, water soluble ground over which a clear piece of water soluble is placed. The other common denominator is the inspiration...the strata of the earth...like a cross section of ground found in geology and archeology textbooks. Okay, I haven't the slightest idea how geodes appear in nature...but this is the cross section of a whole bunch of them!

Rocks were always fascinating to my sisters and I while we were growing up. We used to try gluing together strange Christmas ornaments from the prettiest pebbles found in a creek flowing off the Untersberg mountain outside Salzburg, Austria. My sister Wanda had a rock tumbler and still collects "minerals". There was a valuable rock collection in our garage...something my parents received from an older man once-upon-a-time. Geodes, of course, were like special treasures...a amethyst surprise inside an otherwise ordinary looking round stone.

I created the piece using the headebo stitch...a stitch that has always reminded me of my Grandma Lenz and the pulls on her shades. All sorts of yarn was wound around paint containers, jars, and aerosol cans while I did the button-holing. Inside each, I put snips of sheer fabric and then free motion stitched. It was difficult...trying to navigate over the thicknesses. Next, I added French knots and the metallic threads by hand...and then I stitched by machine again. After I dissolved it, I didn't like the result. Something was wrong. A day later, a solution presented itself...my handy soldering iron. Once I melted away some of the sheers, there was a sense of a "void"...a "space"...just like a real geode. Now, I'm quite pleased with the piece. In fact, I'm thinking of doing another Strata, mostly in whites, with all sorts of gems scattered within the layers.

Strata X

The Strata Series has developed much like the In Box series did...a series of experiments on a theme. The approach to stitching has been the thing I've varied the most...sometimes trying to meander on a basically horizontal line, changing the color of thread in "tiers", trying a free motion repetitive design, creating "brick" or "stone" layers, blending into the background and contrasting with the background. Here, on Strata X, however, I think I've found the approach I like the best...it incorporates a little of all of the above. I basically "doodled" into the "strata"...trying to make the result look like the cross-section of the earth on which the series is based.

In Box XXXVII, Leaves

Several weeks ago, I mentioned the idea of creating one of my In Box pieces and stitching it entirely with leaves. Well, here it is, In Box XXXVII. I used one of the interesting black chiffon scarves that has a gold metallic thread running through it.

In Box XXXVI

This is In Box XXXVI. Believe it or not, there are subtle differences in my In Box series...like the metallic foiling used and occasionally, I use a different cotton thread...though I prefer black. Since the start of the series, I've also used only black chiffon scarves or all navy blue...but recently I've been creating a torn patchwork of multi-colored, frayed chiffon. I love this effect. The photos really don't show the shifting color scheme, but it's there!

In Box XXXV

This is In Box XXXV with a detail shot.

I haven't forgotten the idea of creating a post with a step-by-step description of this process. I have actually taken all the pictures at this time. When this notion was suggested, however, I was nearly out of a wide assortment of chiffon scarves from Dale's fantastic, "Down Under" business, The Thread Studio. I simply can't live without chiffon scarves...and I couldn't finish an In Box until the order arrived. In a day or two, I'll post these images and explanations.

Tacky Inspiration Becomes In Box XXXIV

Scroll down a bit...to a post from last week called "Tacky Inspiration". Gorgeous isn't it...hot pink, stretchy polyester velvet with a floral pattern. I knew I had to have it. Here it is, dressed up and ready to go Francis Marion University!

In Box XXXIII

My "five day weekend" was fantastic...and very, very productive! I am also only one piece shy of the sixteen I want for the solo exhibition at Francis Marion University. This is In Box XXXIII with a detail shot.

I solemnly promise to read my books!

Blogging has been a wonderful experience. I've learned so many new techniques. Various posts have inspired me to create new work. There is a sense of a global community of supportive, like-minded fiber enthusiasts. There is also "commitment". Once I've put an intention into writing on my blog, I feel a positive inner pressure to meet that self-imposed obligation. This is a GOOD thing.

Another positive aspect of blogging has been the thought provoking topics that seem to crop up everywhere...and keep my mind utterly consumed while I'm free motioning on my sewing machine. Books, reading, and inspirations filled my brain yesterday. This was the result of several posts but directly related to a question posed by Sue B on her blog. She asked about inspiration. Quickly, without too much thought, I responded...below is part of that comment:

"Recently, I read the 'confessions' of someone 'tagged'. She wrote that she often 'jumps in' after looking at the pictures...not reading the words, the instructions, etc. I thought that sounded a lot like me...until I fancied a book I saw on another blog. It looked like I book I wanted...a book I should buy...and it looked familiar...then I realized that it was sitting quite unopened on the hope chest that sits at the foot of our bed...in fact, there are two books there: Paper, Metal, & Stitch as well as Stitch, Dissolve, Distort. I haven't read a page. I haven't looked at them since handing over my credit card. (I aim to do just this later tonight...it's about time!)

I must have looked through them in England at the Stitching and Knitting show when I bought them...they must have inspired me...I bought them. I haven't touched them since unpacking my suitcase from the trip. I guess...I'm inspired by the 'memory' of an idea...the imperfect recollection of a new approach."

Well, Sue's question and my response kept me thinking all day yesterday. Somehow, more "puzzle pieces" came together. One of the author's, for example, had a familiar name...OF COURSE! I've been reading her new blog...totally excited about getting an insider's view to the upcoming Valerie Campbell-Harding retrospective!

(Valerie sort of taught me to free motion embroider at a four day seminar in Louisville, Kentucky. I'd only used my Bernina about four times beforehand...after a class with Charlotte Miller at the EGA national in New Orleans. My machine was the class demo machine. Anyway, the class under Valerie Campbell-Harding is still the best workshop in which I've ever participated...even though Ms. Campbell-Harding fell on the first day...blackening both eyes and scraping both arms...she was a real trooper and one of the most amazing people I've ever met.)

Well, the purchase of the two books started to come back to me...the Stitching and Knitting Show in Birmingham...Maggie Grey...a fantastic demonstration of water soluble paper...which I also bought and haven't use. I even took my son Mathias to the show on Sunday...an odd experience of walking around hundreds of eagerly shopping women with a gorgeous eighteen year old male ballet dancer...who immediately fell into a long conversation with Barbara Lee Smith about Merce Cunningham and contemporary dance. Mathias loved the water soluble paper. He thought it was the highlight of the show and encouraged me to buy it. He's been periodically been asking me about it ever since..."Have you used it yet?"

I haven't used it; I hadn't opened the books until yesterday either. This is a situation that absolutely MUST be remedied. So, I SOLEMNLY PROMISE TO READ MY BOOKS! Not just looks at the pictures...but read them! (I've now looked at the pictures...I remember the ideas that flashed through my head when I bought the books...it was the notion that said "work with water soluble fabric"...it was the inspiration for my Strata Series!)

My first step to this new goal...one which I'm publicly posting...was taken last night. I sat down and read Dale's Surface Tension...from cover to riveting cover. It was just in time. During the past five days I've finished the six pieces I started last week and created an In Box using my tacky material. Today, I open the box to the new embellisher...I'm armed with a swirling head of experimental ideas now!

Photos are coming of the completed work...but today it is raining (Thank God!)...I take photos outdoors!

Dance Europe Reviews BRB's Dynamic Dance

Today was the second of five beautiful, creative, solitary days in my studio...working toward my solo exhibition at Francis Marion...finally stitching on operational sewing machines. So far, two In Box pieces and two Stratas are completed. My heart beats in a perfect rhythm. My breathing is easy. Images of art and possible new work lazily float through my imagination as I plan each section of free-motion embroidery.

Days like yesterday and today spell "harmony". I've never been happier. There is total peace in my world. Relaxation is coupled with endeavorer. Quiet. Steady work. Busy hands and a happy heart.

There was even good news along the way. Steve called...knowing I wouldn't mind the interruption. Dance Europe Magazine had arrived with the day's mail. He read the first paragraph to me:

Birmingham Royal Ballet
Dynamic Dance
Birmingham Hippodrome

Choreography is a difficult art. Even professional dancers whose daily work involves making meaning from steps - often steps written by the great masters - can find the choreographic enigma elusive. And being a good dancer doesn't necessarily make it easier. The "dynamic" in the BRB's Dynamic Dance was evident in the brilliant pirouettes of Mathias Dingman and Joseph Caley and the scintillating jetes of Carol-Anne Millar but unfortunately less so in the new choreography.

The brief article...a review of the entire program...went on. It didn't tear the evening to shreds but pointed to problems that even I noted. In the end, the final sentence was: "All things considered, I would rate this programme a success, a very necessary venture providing valuable opportunities to succeed and fail."

So, this is the first mention of Mathias, as a professional dancer, in an international publication. It is positive. We are elated.

EMBELLISHER!

Above: Strata VIII, detail. Free motion embroidery on water soluble fabric with adhesive

Today I called Mr. Leichtner. Neither of my sewing machines were repaired. He actually blamed me for the situation. Frankly, he was rude and insulting. I was reduced to tears...facing a five day block of time without a working machine. He didn't have any free motion feet for the 220 either. In desperation, I called the new Bernina dealership in town, Creative Sewing. (www.creative-sewing-machine-center.com) They had feet for the 220. I went to get them...open toed and close toed.

I was surprised at this shop. It is wonderful...and friendly and helpful and full of nice people eager to see interesting work and willing to embrace an embroiderer who doesn't just sew straight lines on pattern pieces. (This wasn't what I was lead to believe...but now I'm reconsidering the source of this information!) While there, I saw it...the EMBELLISHER! It really is a machine all into itself! Within a minute a new plan was devised: From now on, the 1630 (whenever it eventually gets repaired) will be used for its decorative stitches; the 220 is now going to be my new machine--free motion embroidery; the 1008 will remain the "back up" machine for when one of the others is in for repairs; the THE NEW EMBELLISHER will be for the embellishing I've been intrigued about for a year. Okay, I've got the attachments for this already on order from the shop in Sumter...so now, the 220 can "back up" the embellisher!

Part of me thinks I must be crazy...what woman needs four sewing machine? Part of me knows the answer to that question...ME! Now, as planned, I'm facing five uninterrupted days in my studio with a working machine...actually three working machines...the 220, the embellisher, and the 1008...Mr. Leichtner called later to say that he didn't have time to service it but had repaired it...for $75...hopefully, this isn't a repair like the last one done to the 1630 which wasn't repaired and cost $125. Whatever...there's light at the end of this tunnel...Creative Sewing Center in West Columbia. They want me as a loyal customer and now I want them too!

While getting the new machine, my mat boards got delivered and I spent part of this afternoon mounting the recently completed Strata VIII and Strata IX. These are for my solo exhibition at Francis Marion and are pictured here with detail shots...though all can be enlarged by clicking on them.



Above: Strata VIII. Below Strata IX with a detail shot.

Tacky Inspiration

I'm so excited! After working tomorrow, I'll be in the studio for five whole days. I can't remember ever having such a block of time to myself. I have work ready to go under the machine...and at least one machine WILL be working by then. I'm totally on schedule for the exhibition coming up at Francis Marion. Yet, I ran out of my favorite purple craft felt. This meant a trip to Hancock Fabrics. While there, I naturally picked up some interesting yarns and more 100% black cotton thread. Also, I always check the polyester stretch velvets. Amazingly, there were colors I didn't own. The sales ladies and I started talking about "tacky" fabric...how could we not? One of the "new" colors was a different shade of hot pink. We then found the most unbelievable tacky material I think I've ever seen. (It is pictured here...100% polyester stretch velvet with a pink floral pattern! Totally shocking!) Of course, I bought a yard and my head started spinning with ideas for a new "In Box" piece. I can hardly wait to start it...another piece for the exhibit!

I also shared my blog address with some of the ladies there. Now, I realize that my "In Box" series isn't on the first page of the blog. So, if you ladies are looking...click on May 2007. This is located at the right side of the page in the "archived" area. Scroll down. You will find some photos and also the images of the rusted fabric!

Preparations!

No pictures...nothing is done. Both the 1630 and 1008 Berninas are in the repair shop. So, I finally got around to reading the instruction booklet on the brand new 220...the machine intended to be used solely for the "embellisher"...which is now on order. Unfortunately, the 220 doesn't come with a darning foot. The "feet" for the other two machines don't fit. Thus, I spent the weekend preparing pieces for free motion embroidery. Thus far, I've got four in my In Box series and two in my Strata series ready to stitch. I'm feeling really good about the solo exhibition at Francis Marion now....especially since Steve and I have decided to close Mouse House for the Fourth of July straight through Sunday. I can hardly wait to have an operational sewing machine for this many days of pure heaven!