Many years ago I played around with a technique that I saw Yvonne Porcella using, burning the edges of silk to seal it and create little irregularly edged fragments. It seemed like a good way to make "paint dabs". First I used pigment inks to colour white silk and then I sat over a candle, being gassed with malodorous smoke for hours, burning all the cloth I had just coloured! Originally my idea was to build up layers of silk like the layers of paint and that it would become a rich field of colour.But it soon became clear that as I added more and more pieces it was just becoming a big mess of fabric with no cohesion and no clear purpose. The more planning I did, the more fabric I removed.
And eventually I ended up with this. I am surprised by how sparse it is.
And a little disarmed. I now think it looks too sparse and needs something more. I'm not sure what. The few sequins and beads added some life and I even toyed with the idea of glitter paint, which I have used successfully before (takes a very light hand and lots of self-control!). As has happened on other ocassions, I now regret not starting earlier and leaving myself time for more than one attempt.(By the way, it's IS square - not as wonky as it looks! Why does that happen in photos??)
This has been the hardest challenge for me so far and I really don't feel that I even came close to meeting it. I can't wait to see the Masterpieces everyone else will have created. My comments won't be here until next week. I am literally leaving right now to teach for a few days.
11 comments:
Those are like jewels waiting to be played with Kristy!
LOVE the background quilting.
This is the Mom speaking — stop whining. This is lovely and definitely eshibits illumination. The fabrics are lovely and I would have liked to see more, but your artistic self knew when to stop. I love the bits of beads and sequins. I want to touch this!!
Yes, I agree with Gerrie -- no apologies necessary for this piece! It does have an impressionistic feel and the sparkle of color has a beautiful sense of light.
Sure, it probably could hold up to more beads and sequins, but it is also lovely as is. While it may not scream "Illumination," it has a wonderful cheerfulness to it, and I bet those silks and beads look much better in person.
I think it's great. And I must compliment you on the title. It sends the viewer immediately in the right direction. I'm thinking sun dappled light on water and patterns made by light and shadow. I often stuggle with making my inspiration *obvious* in a piece. But that's not really neccessary if the piece stands on it's own. Yours does.
Personifies the "less is more" aesthetic! The color is wonderful and the composition divine.
I like it this way too. And I wouldn't add glitter paint.
It's never easy to know when to stop. But I think less is often better than too much.
Your vibrant colors are so exciting on that dark background. Love that lime green!
Your quilt exemplifies how light/illumination is made up of many colours. The contrast and balance seem just right to me. (And this is a perfect foil to the flashing lights of Helen's piece.)
I love the dabs of light. They capture the qualities of impressionist paint.
I agree with the others that you stopped at just the right place. My eye travels around the colors without being lost and the beads and sequins add just a touch of sparkle.
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