ICE # 9 Ironic

International Collage Exchange

Series: Chain reaction

Titile ICE 2010 # 9: Ironic

Teasel linocut printed on serviette using  my H.A.T method, thread, handmade paper (white) and handmade paper using onion and tea dye pulp, recycled book text and image, paper scrap.

I really enjoyed making this collage. The textures are beautiful to touch and I really enjoyed stitching it, each stitch being a process of theraputic mark-making and not simply a functional way to hold it all together. The bird featured in this collage is a Sparrowhawk. Beautiful, skillful Hawks similar to Peregrine Falcons. Sparrowhawks prey primarly on small birds like sparrows, thrushes, finches and quail but they're also capable of hunting bigger birds such as pigeons and partridges.

Humans have long had a love/hate relationship with the Sparrowhawk. Their feeding habbits have made them unpopular with many humans, particulary poultry farmers who have blamed the loss of chicks on the Sparrowhawk and with Pigeon racers who fear the loss of birds during races. Studies have shown that while Sparrowhawks can and will take these birds they're not as 'guilty' as first thought- but that hasn't improved their popularity within certain circles! Studies have also shown that humans are responsible for more Sparrowhawk deaths than the hawk is for chicken or pigeon deaths.

It was for this reason I titled the collage "Ironic." It's ironic that humans can dislike a bird for it's natural predatory nature when we are actually more of a threat to songbirds, farm birds and many other families of birds than the Sparrowhawk ever will be! Dislike of the Sparrowhawk has led to hunting them to reduce their numbers and attempts at relocating the birds to more 'suitable' homes. It's also ironic that those who breed birds (who eventually become our own meals) can dislike another bird for much the same thing!  many have failed  to realise is that Sparrowhawks are an asset to our environment, helping to keep populations of fruit/crop /insect loving birds at healthy levels and maintaining natures natural balance. When we take the Sparrowhawk out of the equation the chain reaction is that of increased populations of other bird species resulting in the need to seek solutions to deal with them. We also resort the use of chemicals to deal with increased populations of the 'pest' insects the smaller birds prey on. Ironic isn't it?

We're going away for a family wedding in a few days so this will be my last post for a wee while. I'm hoping to do a virtual tour of the globe first and I will (of course!) be looking forward to seeing what you've all been up too when I get back! 

Oh, and last but not least! Please follow the new  "Barter Circle" badge on my sidebar to Debrina's blog she's got a the beginnings of a great project going on over there and it's worth the click:)

Take care and happy creating!

ICE 2010 #3 Harmony

International Collage Exchange 2010
Series: Chain Reaction
Title: Harmony
Embossed leaf on handmade paper, coffee dyed paper, leaf lino print on serviette, thread, pencil, recycled papers.

It was layout number 2 that won me over! It was very nearly number 1 but I realised that I nearly always put the darker/bolder image on the left so I decided to do it the opposite way just for a change. I titled this 'Harmony' because while I was creating this piece the words "Harmony sustains life' kept replaying in my head. Given it's relevance to the meaning behind my work I knew the collage had just been named. I've been waiting to use that leaf for some time now, no project seemed right but I can see it belongs here, as it was meant to be.

A paper swap?? Yes it's true! This international paper swap is being hosted by "Woven Letters" so please drop by her blog and sign up if this sounds like you....which it does of course!

ICE 2010 #2 Connecting

Chain reaction series collage#2.
Title: Connecting
Serviette, nest lino print on painted paper,recycled paper flour bag, recycled envelope, thread, text in pencil.

This second collage was stubborn! I had an idea brewing over the last few weeks and when I finally got the chance to sit down and create it, it wouldn't come. I sat and fiddled with the bits of paper for ages before I gave up. In the end I decided to create a background with the bits in front of me with no preconceived ideas of what might come out...and as you can see 'connecting' was what resulted. Sometimes when I create a piece I just know I am on the right track but with this one I had to travel blind for a while, it wasn't until it was finished that I knew I liked it! The text says "We are all pieces of a puzzle, each of us connecting with another to become part of a completed picture of our past and an evolving image of the future." The thread work came after the text. The collage was a bit like the text in the end, each piece connecting with another and inspiring an idea, a thought, a new seed or direction just like we do with each other. I guess you could say this collage grew itself and I was just following the directions!

I also photographed the first collage again, I must have been tired that day because when I looked at it with fresh eyes I saw that light was too harsh. The original was much warmer and softer than that image I posted. The wrongs been righted:)

Below are some photos from the Greerton Village Primary School Exhibition. You can see more on my other blog if seeing children's art leaves you feeling as warm 'n' fuzzy as it does me!

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!