artwhispers

Challenge Jan 08 finished (finally)

Just finished my piece for the challenge and looking forward to the next one. I ended up sewing most of it by machine which I just got a few days ago and then hand beading it. The colors aren't quite in the scheme but close. The portrait was from an original photo of my daughter, made into a line drawing through Photoshop, then printed on silk. There is another patterned fabric beneath the portrait leaving a trace of pinkish lines. I haven't sewn by machine for quite awhile so this in itself was a challenge, but a pleasant one. The sequins, beads and funky applique were done by hand. I chose the fabric with the swirls and circles, because it made me think of one of my daughters best attributes-her perseverance no matter what and finishing what she starts.

Challenge

I have decided to base my image for the Challenge based on this encaustic image I did of my daughter. The original image was taken on the beach while in Africa. She was a Peace Corp volunteer and I was fortunate to visit her for almost 3 months. I'm doing  an art quilt and in the suggested colors as well as honoring her as someone I truly admire.  That time changed my life in many ways. Would love to go back there. I was in the middle of a photo course and would like to revisit with better cameras and more skills. I took many pictures with a Holga camera and lost some great shots when the back of the camera fell off, especially  a large sheep draped over the back of the shepard up in the mountains of Lesotho. All my Holgas wear rubber bands or velcro now. The planning stage for the project has been very thought provoking, about the subject and techniques I want to use. So will sew a quilt and embellish with beads or embroidery, hoping to find everything in my stash.   

Challenge

Not sure about making resolutions but have good feelings about the New Year. Maybe some of it from a wonderful day of hanging out with artists, all females, laughing, talking, trading, eating, selling art and a gift exchange. Goods energy, good time, good peeps. I joined a monthly challenge starting today: www.sharonb.wordpress.com/take-it-further-challenge  This months challenge is to do a piece in either paper or fabric about someone you admire and or using the colors suggested. I was totally stumped this morning but as I drank my coffee and read blogs I came up with a plan and did a little sketching, which is very out of character. I tend to use angels in much of my work and want to showcase other interests so this should help me stretch a bit. This is not something we will have to mail off but show on our blogs or flicker accounts. You can check into the blog above to get a link to each participant. I'm excited to see what others do with the topic, including myself. I normally just do, no time spent planning, just let it happen for the most part.  This feels different than doing a round robin, doing this just for myself. Stay tuned!

My Mom was taken off her meds for anxiety and dementia but slowly adding them again. Without them she is more alert, talking more, but more anxious, angry and depressed. She did talk to me last week but didn't seem real pleased to hear from me nor happy to be in a nursing home. The week before (on meds) she claimed to love the place. Hope they can find a happy medium so she will move on and maybe accept she cannot go back to the condo. She is resisting being "part of things", being placed where other patients are higher functioning, doing her therapy so she can be independant. 

To anyone who reads this, thank you. Feeling part of a big community is inspiring.