Defining Moments

The more work I make, the more I realize that a lot of the pieces I create are in a way about a defining moment in my life...about someone who changed me, a moment, an event, a place that became part of who I am. This piece is the start of a new series along this line. I think. Its just a fresh idea in my head and will almost definitely evolve into something else, but its where I am at the moment. Huh, just another defining moment I guess...

This piece is a found silver platter, etched copper backplate and embroidery. Measures about 10"x8"x2". Image taken from this photo of me and a friend when we were little girls...dressed as twins.

Work in Progress and The Day of Reckoning

Finished drilling holes on a new wall piece. Hopefully I will get it all embroidered in the next week or so. In this piece I am using the embroidery more as a drawing tool than I have before...instead of just a decorative element. The two figures are connected by a chain. In some of my work I use the chain metaphorically...kind of an allusion to humanity. Each of us are links in a chain, connected to others around us whether we are aware of those connections or not. I think in my next pieces I will take the embroidery even a step further with the figures and not just have them be in silhouette. I will use the stitching to draw in some features, or maybe outline clothing. We will see. Oh yeah, and my 15 hour review (the day of reckoning:) is tomorrow. Wish me luck. I decided that if my committee hates these platter pieces, then I can always use the rest of the ones I have collected to just serve the food on at my opening reception for my thesis show (that is if I EVER get there!)

Flora

This is a wall piece I finished a couple of weeks ago (for the Intercollegiate Metals Exhibition). It was mostly an experiment just with trying new things on the found platter pieces. This platter was pewter and really beat up. It had some really nice tarnish and history so I decided to leave its finish as is and not alter it. I embroidered a floral pattern and then tore out and ripped the thread to appear aged and worn. I'm still thinking about this piece and other directions it may lead me in, so I don't have a whole lot to say about it, but here are some images. The images aren't great...I had a really hard time capturing the details. Just use your imagination:) Oh, and it actually placed 2nd in the Holloware category at the Intercollegiate Metals Exhibition so that was exciting! Go here to see what else got awards!
Lots of little holes drilled...I am totally going to have arthritis by the time I am 30!
Embroidery before being torn.

And after the tearing...

Slipping Away

I finished this piece today. Its a two part wall piece made of altered silver platters and embroidery. I really need to learn how to take photos of wall pieces. My pictures are terrible but I don't know how to do it! Help anyone? Its really annoying because the platters have a mirror like polish, and everything reflects in them!

Anyway, I am happy with how the piece turned out. Its very technically simple, but I think it really has a lot to say to the viewer. What do you see in it?

Thrifty Finds

My absolute favorite thing to do when we go to the cabin in Pine is hit some of the antique and thrift shops. I always find something good! This time there was TONS of good stuff, most of it I couldn't afford, but here is what made it home with me. Don't you just love that adorable apron? Also got these chunky seed bead necklaces for nearly nothing. They are awesome!

I am a sucker for handmade doilies.I found a platter that matches one I have already collected, so now I have 2. Maybe I will make a diptych! It came with a spoon...not sure what I will use that for, but I am sure I can think of something!And my favorite purchase this weekend? An old brownie camera. They were practically giving it away. I don't know how to use it or if this one will even work, but it was worth a try, I have always wanted to take pictures with one. It looks pretty dirty on the inside, but I am hoping thats all thats wrong with it.

So, now I have some new things to play with. Hopefully I will have some new work to show you soon.

Plenty of Work and a Weekend Trip

I spent today drilling holes in a new platter. Not only do I have to drill a million holes, but I then have to go over each one with a ball bur to take off the sharp burs because they tear my embroidery thread when I am sewing. Very time consuming...and I am probably doomed to get carpal tunnel any day now.

This one is going to be a wall piece, and its a self portrait.

I am running off to the high country (and cooler weather) to the family cabin this weekend. I should have plenty of time to get all the embroidery done on this piece. Hopefully I will have it to show you on Monday. I will also have lots of pictures from my adventures this weekend...I am going to a really beautiful place. Have a great weekend everybody!