Ok. I'm done worrying about the popularity of my work. (not really, but I'm trying!) My show is up at the Lodi Art Center. I had a wonderful turn out for the First Friday Art Hop reception. Lots of Art Hop regulars and artist friends. I felt so unsure of the show: a combo of old and new work, featuring the use of color. An interesting combination of techniques and projects: felted hangings, paintings, metal embossed and collage mirrors, masks bursting with color, a collograph, jewelry...
So... on to the next thing. I have been reading Embellish, Stitch, Felt: Using the Embellisher Machine and Needle-Punch Techniques, by Sheila Smith. Such an inspiring book! I am particularly inspired by the layers of wool and fabric which are needle felted and then, wet felted or stitched. She uses layer after layer to create a wonderfully unique cloth for use in 3D objects, journal covers, wall hangings, etc. The embellisher is a needle felting machine, which allows the user to needle-felt large areas in a shorter time.
I am drawn to the use of multi-layering in collage, painting, and fabrics. You can make a thin needle-felted and/or wet felted pre-felt, then use this as a layer in another piece. You can add fabrics, stitching, embroidery. Play with color, texture, pattern. Felt is an excellent medium for layering techniques.
During my shift today at the Gallery, I begin work on needle-felting some pieces (without an embellisher), for use in multi-layered pieces with fabric and stitching, as well as felt.
I have also decided to focus on developing a project I can work on, to help me in my journey towards strengthening my spiritual practice through my work. Exploring my thoughts and emotions with my work in a more directed way.
New Beginnings
7 years ago
