Thursday, September 28, 2006

More new work

So here you go with a new series. These are all done on canvas and are not quilts. I don't even think that I want to use batting and quilt them...I am thinking about just mounting them on mat board for framing. The canvas has been painted and stamped with found objects like a test tube holder, the back of a cutting board, etc. The white background fabric with the blue and green is a monoprint that I cut up. I then added the turquouise and red to add some jazz...you know, there wasn't enough color. These are all (6) about 8.5 x 8.5. I love the way the color pops...unfortunately I took with pictures without proper lighting so have to get them off to the photographers for righteous photos! This one is Around and AroundThis piece has a yellow piece that had been dyed and then discharged using found objects for the stamping of Sunlight dishwasher detergent. I also had found a neat hot pad that is flexible and had the wavy lines...
And in this one I started stamping on the black fabric and also used another monoprinted fabric that I had cut up to make postcards with (the green piece) which is also canvas. I used a bunch of my hand carved rubber stamps made out of erasers.
Sorry, this one is really out of focus...I must do better but I really like it and wanted to show it off. It has three red small sqaures on the rust and in person the color is fantastic. I also did a bunch of stamping on this one, too, both with found objects and with some of my hand carved stamps. I did all the painting of the background fabrics at my dad's house when he was sleeping...got about four good size pieces of canvas painted. Then when I was able to come home for an overnight I spent one day doing monoprinting and the next day discharging my fat quarters that I had previously dyed.
And this is the first one that I did when I was at Asilomar last week. I did all the stamped while I was there, usually after I had cut up the piece of painted canvas to the size I wanted...well, more or less wanted.
And finally, the last one of this series. I had only brought some variegated thread with me as I really didn't know what I was going to do with the canvas and the monoprints and the discharged stuff so a big storage box of acrylic paints (brought the tubes because I could bring more for the space) and all the printing stuff (well, not really all since I left all the silk screens and tons of stamps etc at home) Then I just decided what I wanted to do and had at it.

I did three of another series but these were the last that I did while there. They are bigger, I'd say, without measuring them that they are about 12 x 18". I had gone to Back Porch Fabric in Pacific Grove and found this red and black and gold Sherrill Khan fabric which I just had to use. I also decided that I needed some black and white so bought some PDF white fabric, and used sumi ink to write on it and then cut out parts that I wanted to use. It is so much fun to determine what you need and then to create it yourself when you need it!I call this one below my Aspens...really fences with squares but squint your eyes and pretend that you see fall colors...of course, I know aspens don't turn red but they do turn every color of green and yellow....not that I have any yellow in it either. Come to think of it, why do I think of aspens when I see this? Again, some of my balck and white fabric, carved erasers, satin stitching, etc.
Now this one I just love for the utter simplicity. The dark fuschia fabric is dyed and then monoprinted with lots of texture. The green circle was dyed and then discharged and then you have my black and white pseudo characters. And of course, the background canvas which is painted and stamped several times. It looks great either in a verticle or horizonal orientation.

I went over to see my dad today, to collect bills, take him out to the grocery store and to get a power of attorney signed and noterized...another step away from his independence...this is really hard but not as hard as watching him almost die. Then went to the back and opened up on-line access to his checking account. When through a lot of stuff and he and I shredded a big bag of papers and old bills.

Felt like I have accomplished alot and felt good to be able to leave. I told Saane that I really appreciated her being there, got teary eyed and headed off to the freeway.

Two miles down the freeway the traffic came to a quick stop and I didn't...my car is now totaled. My seat belt kept me in my seat but I now have a huge black and blue bruise across my boobie. My back muscles will be sore tomorrow. Had the car towed, after a nice CHP took all the information, and then Doug and I went out for Chinese food. Came home and I got into our huged bathtub with the foot massagers, brought my Nano and Bose speakers in, had a small glass of Streaga (an Italian liquour) and relaxed in the hot water for half an hour. Feel much better but know I will hurt tomorrow! Oh well, didn't get any cleaning up done in my studio today...but there is always tomorrow.

7 comments:

Gerrie said...

Oh, no! I'm so glad the accident wasn't any worse. It is a good thing you were in the tank!!

These pieces are so much fun and I think they show how your spirit is just soaring right now. You have come through a tough bit and now you can just let it all out!!

I wish you would go to settings and set your comments to be on a pop-up window, then I can look at what I am writing about!!! I have a short memory. Any way I think all of these pieces are really exciting. I think that working on the canvas without any batting an quilting is brilliant, but I think the matting would be a good idea.

I especially love the colors that you have used - all that red and the bits of turquoise - yum.

I can see these all hanging in a gallery as a series. Welcome back to creativity!

Anonymous said...

Liz, I love your stuff and always have since reading your articles in Quilting Arts this spring and summer. I learned a lot from you.
Love your new stuff on the blog. Is that stamping with bubble wrap?? I am planning to do some of that myself. I too like the idea of working on the canvas and then mounting without quilting. Keep up the GREAT work.

Anonymous said...

Liz...I'm sure your sore today from your "crash" which to me symbolizes what you're going through with your Dad...dust yourself off and get back in that studio..you are doing wonderful things....it's amazing to me the amount of creativity we bottle up in ourselves when we're dealing with "life"..now if we could just sell what we bottle up and make that million..wouldn't that be grand! Rest, Relax & Rejuvinate yourself as you have much more to say in your work. Louise Schiele

TALL GIRL said...

Liz-what amazing work you have created out of misery. You continue to dazzle and inspire me. I am absolutely amazed that you are able to create while caregiving.
My experience has been that caregiving sucks the muse right out. Yet, I was once told that caregiving is, of itself, very creative! So the fact that you are caregiving, grieving and creating just shows what magnificient gifts and blessings you possess. I love this new work!

So sorry to hear of your accident. The symbolism is not lost on me either. Everything happens for a reason...
many blessings...carol

Unknown said...

Liz, this work is stunning, I too am amazed at your creativity during this difficult time, I hope you are feeling better after your crash. you continue to inspire us all

Anonymous said...

Oh Liz!!! Thank God it's only a bump and bruise to your ego and boob. It sounds like your making some headway with your dad and that caregiver sounds like a saint. Aren't we blessed?

All the new stuff is amazing. Where do I go for some of that technique training? What's to discharging? And what makes a monoprint? And how the heck do you get your zig zag to do that? You need to write a book.

I really like the red, green, oragne, red series of canvases. And the one you call Aspens...I see Birches. :) It's all in the eyes of the beholder, isn't it? Take care Liz. Have another soak and enjoy another glass of that Italian stuff.

Frances said...

oh my god Liz I didn't finish reading this morning (my time) take care especially when driving perhaps not a good idea to drive if v. emotional, better to arive 10 or so minuets later, glad your feeling better,

the works uk too ;o)

as always..