Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The shape of things

Been playing with a new piece and can't decide whether it should be

a square or

a rectangle.

What do you think?

19 comments:

  1. for unknown reasons I like the rectangle with circles!please answer one for me! why do I get black patterns instead of rust when I wrap caround rust and soak in vinegar and water? very frustrating! thanks for the pleasure of seeing all your rust!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmmm...black? Like the black that tannins produce (right side of the piece above) or black like mildew?

      I ask because when I wrapped pieces a couple years ago and set them outside to weather for a year, they rusted wonderfully, but several developed mildew that is still there even today as little x's.

      Would you want to email a photo? If so, send it to jcqart@yahoo.com. If you're on well water like we are, it's possible that it's something in the water. Have you tried soaking the fabric in pure vinegar to see if you get the same result? Just a thought.

      Delete
    2. thanks for the reply. I will try to get a good photo and send! meanwhile. on city water. not mildew -fabric was originally tea. or coffee dyed in some cases otherwise laundered in soap and waTer. robyn gordon seemed to think perhaps metal pieces were galvanized to begin with??? I'm still trying different rusty pieces. just found a large gear quite rusty will try with just vinegar!as to the photo above yes like that but more black!

      Delete
    3. If the fabric was originally tea or coffee dyed, then it makes sense. The tannins in the tea produce a black/gray color. I've seen photos of silk that has been rusted using tea and the result is a deep dark black. Silk seems to take color easier/better than cotton, which is what I'm working with.

      Haven't tried coffee dyed cotton. Hmmm...I wonder what would happen? Thanks for the idea!

      Delete
    4. I prefer coffee dyed to tea! but if you do put some cinnamon in when brewing your fabric will smell divine. thanks for your thoughts. think I'll try undyed cotton and see if it comes rusty instead of black!

      Delete
    5. Try undyed cotton and just white vinegar. Think you'll be happy with the results. Enjoy!

      Delete
  2. Jennifer - I like the square - only because I like the different color variations - but both are fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's 1 square, 1 rectangle. It's actually the same piece in both photos, but the placement and light in the studio was better in the square version. I'm torn which is why I thought to put it up for a vote. Be interesting to see what everyone thinks. Enjoy!

      Delete
  3. Well...at first I thought..the rectangle. But the more I look at it, I'm leaning towards the square. That one darker circle seems to "pop" more in the square format. Of course it could be the photo. Decisions, decisions...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the photo...the dark circle pops regardless. The square photo was taken with full sun streaming through the windows and on a different board. The rectangle was taken this morning while it was still dark out.

      So...it's 2-1 for square.

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Me too, but don't tell anyone.

      3-1 for square.

      Delete
  5. Can't make too many boro pieces. Why not make one in each format?
    Joanne in Canada
    P.S. I'm a real fan of boro. Love your first one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwwww...now, come on...pick one...for now. What was your intial reaction?

      Delete
    2. Ooops! Forgot to say thank you for the compliment on the first boro. Thank you!

      Delete
    3. I prefer the rectangle. Seems more suitable for the size of the rings.

      Delete
    4. Thanks! That makes it 3-2. Square is still ahead. Be curious to hear what my Australian friends think.

      Delete
  6. I know I know, I'm late to the game! I love squares or if not squares, then looooonnng thin rectangles; so for this piece my vote is for the square look. Plus the way you added the strip creates one of my favourite rectangles on the left anyway so I win both ways! Laugh. It's a fund process to work thru.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Fiona, you're never late, but right on time. And I totally agree with you about squares and elongated rectangles. There's something about the idea of having circles fit inside a square that appeals to me. No doubt the piece will be worked on as a rectangle, but cropped to a square. The bit that gets cut off will be used in another piece just as the strip is the cut off from rust boro #1.

      Guess that puts the vote at 5-2 in favor of squares...counting my own vote, that is.

      Love the commission you're working on! Enjoy!

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...