Start with 1 very long piece that is intended to become accordion book 5.
Hang it in the studio for viewing and pondering.
Get really close so its whispers of what it truly wants to become are clearly heard.
Listen. Agree.
Take it down from its lofty perch.
Lay it on your worktable...back side up...and
just do it.
Cut it into 4 equal lengths measuring approximately 64".
Give them a lofty perch again and stand back to listen to their whispers.
Of contentment? Of dismay? Of not-quite-there-ness?
Listen to one who yearns to be more.
So...it is possible for 1 = 4 = 5.
Don't you just love art math?
(sorry for the poor lighting...it's darker on that end of the studio)
Wow thats brave and looking amazing. I am working on a piece using the rusty thread I won and the piece of cloth you sent, will be posting it soon I hope.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit frightening. I'd been contemplating cropping this piece for a few days and finally decided to employ 2 of mantras - to have "no fear" and "just do it". I've no regrets either. Phew!
DeleteYou've got me curious what you're working on with the rusty thread. Oddly enough, I've tried using mine a few times and have yet to be satisfied. Maybe my path is to rust the threads and pass them along... Can't wait to see what you're creating. Enjoy!
I love the whole listening aspect...just learned that lesson myself. Beautiful pieces...I have to say that I was trying to figure out the last photo and from where the smaller pieces were culled. It definitely woke up my brain this morning!
ReplyDeleteFunny Julie. The 2 smaller pieces were the next to the bottom piece. It was simpler and yearned for something more so...
DeleteI like how you do math and nice rust!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill! Although my art math would never hint at it, math truly was one of my favorite subjects in school. Loved algebra and trigonometry...not that any of it is remembered now...
DeleteBeautiful... art math is good, as is big walls for pinning things and big tables for working - spaces that allow one to expand. (and because I'm not so good at the other kind of math, I'm glad my taxes are done and I can do art math today!)
ReplyDeleteArt math is easily the most enjoyable math, don't you think? The way you arrive at the answer and the answer are always correct!
DeleteI'm not particularly good at math, but I wonder ...
ReplyDeleteperhaps your accordion book wants to become a beautifully rusted kimono?
;>]]
Very perceptive. Books and kimonos...two things that I've yearned to make for years. My tea bags keep whispering of kimonos...as do some of my rusty remnants. One day...
Deletefour asking for more = five alive! lovely (x5)
ReplyDeleteHa! Love your math and rhyming! Thank you!
DeleteThis is my favorite kind of post to read/peruse - and re-read/re-peruse... Your words seem to bring us right into your studio as you go through the process that leads you to calculate that 1=4=5... (I love your whole concept of 'art math'!) These beautiful 'pages' are going to make for some very special books...
ReplyDeletePosts that reveal the artist's thought process are fun, aren't they? I've several posts about art math - all similar to this - showing how 1 = x = y = z. Stay tuned, there will be more.
DeleteAnd wouldn't it be lovely if we could all spend the day together in a big studio somewhere just creating and sharing ideas? Wonder who has Skype? Perhaps a Skype studio day...
I do so enjoy how you do maths! I love the pondering (of course) and the whispers, but I most love how you turned the fabric over and stitched from behind; so the energy and vibrancy on the right side is spontaneous! Brilliant. After i read Julie's comment I went looking as well - and I think you added in some dots? It all looks amazing - keep on keeping on!
ReplyDeleteThe third piece fromt the top was divided into 2 and dots were added...very good. A few more bits have been added since. Now I'm pondering how to hang these since they're rather cheeky pieces and demand the attention that hanging on a wall will give them. Any suggestions?
DeleteJ - now you really do have me worried - a rusted fabric whisperer. Amazing how standing back just letting it tell its own tale works so well. B
ReplyDeleteOh Barry! From the amazing pieces you create, I'd say you are a metal and rust whisperer. Wood too perhaps? And Fiona is a paper whisperer at the very least. I suspect ink and rust as well, but you'd know best, living with her as you do.
DeleteAnd yes, sometimes we just need to stand back and let the art tell its own story...and listen to it, of course.
I'm curious what stories others will hear from these pieces. What do they say to you?
Never mind the gorgeous stunning artwork...I love your process!!!! Oh my gosh. You honour time. Your works exemplifies it in its' ethereal quality. Wowie your work is nice. (to say the 'least) I look forward to seeing more now that I have discovered you!!! *smiles* Norma
ReplyDeleteWelcome Norma! And thank you for such wonderful words! I never thought of all my rusty explorations as honoring time and must admit to being quite taken with the comment. Makes me look at my work from a different perspective. Thank you for that!
DeleteCome back and visit! Enjoy!
the answer is yes. oh, and rust too!
ReplyDeleteYour comment brings a smile. Thank you!
DeleteOh, to have the discipline to just stop and listen to the whispers. How do you do it, in your busy life?
ReplyDeleteHow do I do it? Good question. It helps tremendously that kindergarten is full day in our town. Once the little urchins board the bus, I have a good chunk of time, usually, to be in the studio. Got 4+ years, when basically nothing was created, to make up for.
DeleteBeautifully done Jennifer.... each piece perfect. I can look and look for ages and not finish seeing all the beauty you have created.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Kim. I'm honored.
DeleteFabulous. I think you know my thoughts on art math. Yours is adding up very well.
ReplyDelete