Friday, August 1, 2008

Dappled.

A few months ago I watched a fascinating documentary on TV about Impressionism. I have always the loved the way in which Impressionists have depicted light. All those little dabs and pools of colour, combining to make a magical representation of light and movement. The documentary got me thinking again about this and then, shortly afterwards, our challenge theme of Illumination was revealed.

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.
Dappled
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:

Dale Anne Potter said...

Those are like jewels waiting to be played with Kristy!
LOVE the background quilting.

Gerrie said...

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!!

Diane Perin said...

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.

Kristin L said...

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.

Deborah Boschert said...

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.

Terry Grant said...

Personifies the "less is more" aesthetic! The color is wonderful and the composition divine.

Françoise said...

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.

Terri Stegmiller said...

Your vibrant colors are so exciting on that dark background. Love that lime green!

Anonymous said...

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.)

Nikki said...

I love the dabs of light. They capture the qualities of impressionist paint.

Karen said...

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.