TIF April
I think the best thing about the challenges I've joined is the thinking, then the making. Todays post shows my piece for Aprils TIF. Again one can do the colors offered, or the subject, which this month is change. Mine fits into both categories, kinda. I'm a firm believer that change is a good thing, propels us forward, even if we don't like the change itself. I can't help thinking about all the changes that have already happened this year. Here are three:
My mom has disowned me because I was instrumental in getting her into a nursing home and having her declared incompetent. Her partner of many years had been requesting her to move for several years but then would sabotage any attempts and make negative comments about the siblings. Numerous trips to the Midwest made with no resolution but increased anxiety for all involved. My change is the fact I did the best I could and am at peace with my part in this situation and realizing how it has affected me. I am the oldest sibling and the one who probably reached out the most. She has never been an easy person to be around and chose to live with someone for 15 years that was much like her. If they weren't being negative about one sibling then they picked on someone else. I gave myself permission to be at peace with my participation and not reacting or doing what I think is expected, instead of what I want to do. I am aware of the ramifications of dementia but believe the words spoken by her were truly her feelings. At this point I am taking myself out of the equation, not visiting as planned, and trying to feel the lightness of not being surrounded by crazy making. I can say I'm feeling more hopeful, motivated, inspired, and less anxious. Amen. She is by the way safe and being taken care of, visited by one sister and her "partner".
Another change, my photo studio is now almost ready for the etching press and all the other printmaking supplies to be moved in. One more coat of paint on the new floor and good to go. My head is spinning with ideas for printing. Sadly, I've turned down many requests to do studio portraits since the first of the year but will not miss crawling on the ground after little munchkins. Not having the press in the house means I will use some oil based inks and not have to worry about fumes in the house.
The third change is dealing with Polaroid discontinuing production of there film. Still sorry about that, but am learning new techniques to use Fugi film and have met some wonderful people because of it.
My piece has many layers. Fabric, paper were collaged onto acrylic felt then sewn randomly. I covered areas with Elmers glue then torched it until several places burned through and the glue turned a nice gold. It will bubble up then dry flat, looking like popped bubblegum. I then added more collaged paper and tree bark, a polaroid image transfer on silk, and placed on fabric with batting and stitched together with random beads. It had to be done randomly because the glue becomes very hard and cannot penetrate it with a small beading needle. The back was covered and binding applied to hold it together and frame the piece. The words on the closeup view say "time is given wings"
I just found your blog today and I like your layered process...powerful! My work is layered yet different,I started my blog in March and would love to invite you to visit.
Posted by: Mary Ann | May 04, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I love the look you get with the layering. The process you are using is new to me so it is educational. I went through a similar experience the last 6 years of my mother's life. I wish that I had exercised more when the stress skyrocketed coz I'd be in better shape. Take time for a walk when you feel the blood pressure rising.
Posted by: Violette | April 30, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I love the look you get with the layering. The process you are using is new to me so it is educational. I went through a similar experience the last 6 years of my mother's life. I wish that I had exercised more when the stress skyrocketed coz I'd be in better shape. Take time for a walk when you feel the blood pressure rising.
Posted by: Violette | April 30, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Love your TIF. Your struggle with your mother sounds heart wrenching. Glad you are at peace over it.
Posted by: Linda | April 28, 2008 at 10:32 PM