When I'm working, my mind is often roaming down rabbit hole ideas, especially when a strong concept is in the forefront of my brain. Because I was invited to participate in an exhibit called The Degenerate Art Project at Stormwater Studios in Columbia, SC, I've been stitching a new installation called Reasons for Tears. (Click here for a recent blog post.) I've been stitching collected grievances about the Trump administration on dozens of vintage handkerchiefs. There are now more than one hundred, but the process does allow my imagination to roam to other related ideas. First, I just had to make The Locks Have All Been Changed. (I blogged that last Monday ... here.) Yet, I had another idea. I couldn't help myself ... again ... and it just had to be made too.
It was actually quite easy because I already had thousands of old nails wrapped with yarn. I've used these nails in other installations and even a collaboration with poet Al Black (Images HERE.) I have two, plastic parts containers (the sort others use for beads or screws or other small items) filled with letters clipped from various magazines and vintage books. One container has mostly black-and-white/vintage/antique letters. One container has colorful letters clipped from magazines. It was quick fun to select letters to collage on the wooden coffin which I ordered from Woodpecker Crafts.
All I basically did was to stain the wooden coffin maple colored, collage the letters, and fill the interior with nails. At this moment, I don't even know whether the show will allow me to have three different works. I've asked and am waiting for an answer. I hope it gets to go! One way or the other, this piece just had to be made.
UPDATE! This piece will be in the upcoming exhibit!
Great work about a very SAD story, Susan ...
ReplyDeleteAll 3 are such powerful pieces -- I'm glad all have been accepted into the exhibit. I can't wait to hear about the reaction of the viewers!
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