Sunday, September 13, 2009

Chain Reaction. ICE 2010. #1


Title: Chain Reaction. Collage #1

Kowhai dyed, handmade paper, coffee dyed paper, nest image embossed on a serviette, painted paper scrap, 2nd handshop thread, pencil, indian ink, gesso. Mounted with brads onto A4 watercolour card.

I have just started working with a new theme "Chain Reaction." For every action or inaction there is a chain reaction and this is the legacy we leave. The nest symbolises the environment in this particular collage. What we do on this earth, to this earth, has either a good or bad consequence depending on the original action or inaction. Through out the 13 collages made for ICE 2010 I am sure I will be able to explore the ideas fairly thoroughly!
I have to admit that I am loving this collage! These embossed prints are made from a wet lino cut block, the happy accident is now most definately intentional. I especially love the aged look of this one. I was actually tempted to use only the nest and handmade paper on the background, it looked so simple and clean and reassuringly old all at the same time. It didn't really express what I wanted too though so out came a pencil and collection of lids to draw around. I am learning to do simple, usually I have so many ideas and potential supplies and I really have to struggle to decide which ones don't belong there but this time it all just fell into place. I love it when that happens!

When I sat back and reflected on the finished work I noticed that some how I had tapped into a part of me that is looking for peace and calm right now. Tomorrow is my daughters hip and knee surgery (no cancellation so far!) and there's a part of me desperate not to go...to wish this all away, trade places or something. Anything but what is taking place. The other part of me knows that this is what has to happen and its happening like it or not. It's funny how despite the chaos my artistic self new where to find the peace even if I didn't know I was looking.
So....fingers crossed for us please! I will be away for a few days and will definately be looking forward to seeing what you've all been up too.
Be well!

11 comments:

ArtPropelled said...

Ohhhhhhh, this is definitely my favourite Lisa Sarsfield. Really stunning! You were looking for peace by creating it and I find peace by looking at it.
Wishing you and your daughter peace, calm, strength and comfort over the next few days. Just think, soon it will all be behind you.

John M. Mora said...

Lisa,

This maybe my favorite work by you ..mature, poised and stunning.

I also a@preciate hav ing shared in how you developed the building blocks to your collage.

Good luck and our prayers for your daughter's surgery.

My best.

Mick said...

There's an old expression that fits in with your decisions regarding what, and what not, to include in a piece: it's not what you say, it's what you don't say ... and, except for the long-windedness therein, I bet it was a minimalist who uttered such. :)

Debrina said...

All the very best for the surgery Lisa. My thoughts are with you and I wish you and your daughter all the strength in the world for the surgery and recovery.

May I say that this new collage is incredible! I would love to see an entire exhibition of your work using this process alone. I like your palette choice too. It seems to me that all the paper-making, lino-cutting, sculpting and collage experimentation you have recorded in your blog this last year has culminated into this magnificent piece. Marvellous.
PS. Thanks for stopping on by my blog and letting me know what's up. Peace be with you, my friend...and oneday, I hope we can meet up.

Debrina said...

PS. I'm doing next year's ICE too! We must keep each other inspired and supported!

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Hi Lisa: Best wishes and crossed fingers for the very best outcome. I am in love with the color white, and the feelings of peace and calm. So I also love this rich collage you have made. I have made many small collages this year and I think they will be my ICE collage. I think of them as Zen collage. I always make one for myself, keeping the one I like best from the ICE series. I hope I get one of yours this year!

layers said...

I like the aged effect of the nest as well-- and it does look peaceful and quiet-- something you are probably searching for in the midst of all that is happening with your family right now-- best wishes for your daughter's surgery to go well.

Anonymous said...

Shari said...
Lisa,your work has matured in such a short time. This new collage is stunning and sophisticated! I love your use of layers,textures and neutrals.
Your experimenting has resulted in a wonderful piece of art. Keep going and growing.
We are praying for your daughter's surgery and recovery.

Mixed Media Martyr said...

Your chain reaction collage is fantastic!!! Love the loose layered look it has and the contrast of the organic nest and the diagrams!!

Mixed Media Martyr said...

Lisa, I have seen ICE for a couple of years but wasn't brave enough to commit to entering it! Leanne.

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