ICE 2010 #5 and Art Exchange Piece

ICE 2010 # 05

Series: Chain Reaction

Title: Co-dependant

In this collage I've explored the chain of dependancy that we have on the animals and plant life we co-exist with. I've chosen the stitched feathers to represent not just birds but the cycle of regeneration. Birds not only spread seeds directly but play a role in pollination and pest control. I am in total admiration of birds! The numbers represent both the gradual demise of many species of animals and the gradual destruction of land. It also symbolises time, that clock is ticking and if were not responsible with our resources I believe we will eventually find our planet as that X.  The brownish paper has a list of animal origin foods such as butter, milk, eggs and meat.

Every thing we do on has a effect on another part of the chain and we have the power to make decisions that will make the chain reaction a positive one.

              

                  Stitched feathers using second hand shop thread, recycled paper from school multiplication graphs, lead rubbings , handmade paper scrap.             

This is my artwork for the Art exchange which I have sent on it's way to Jill Zaheer. I called it "Weathered" and it's a nest lino print and a srap weave sewn onto coffee dyed watercolour card. It measures approx 8.5" x 6.5". I am quite pleased with the way this turned out although a little upset I didn't notice the slight fold on the nest! when I photographed it! It's not like that normally so try to picture it without it:)

If you'd like to play in the exchange I am still looking for 4 more people to sign up (so to speak!) It's an easy swap, make one piece of art and recieve many more back! Leave me a comment if you'd like to play!

Pulped!

Title page and my 1st altered page. The woven page has had moving beads added to it and so has the Labyrinth title page. It's a little more "domino effect' than abacus but it's fun to play around with the beads and really interact with the page. Labyrinth means "maze like, entangled, intricate" and the woven page is a little bit of each definition.

My second page is 'Entanglement' which was quite litteral at times! I've tied on some little Pearl like beads with copper wire to add a bit of interest. The rest of the entanglement will come as this book  nmoves around the globe! My 3 page is "Intricate" (yes it's a nest! what better example of intricate could I have found?)  and I've created a window to sit the lino print behind and then enclosed parts of if with nest like stitching. The string was dyed first with coffee. The beads on the cross over copper wire free flow from top to bottom of the strand and make a lovely little tinkering noise. I am definately going to explore this moving pieces idea further!

My part in my book of this RR is almost done. All I have left to do now is the last signature which I am turning into some sort of niche/folder/accordian thing that will hold some papery bits and random pieces looking to find new homes with the other artists working on this book. We are getting close to our goal posting date now of November 15. Wahoo!

In addition to this book I've also started on another ICE collage and a small piece for an Art Swap. If your interested in playing in this swap (and not already doing it unless you know loads of people!) please leave me a comment and I will forward you the details! Watch this space!

Pulp Redux update and a very cool nest!

Photo Mandy Hauge, Whakatane, NZ

Look at this fabulous Plover's nest that Mandy Hauge posted on her blog for moi! I am seriously impressed and just a tad envious that she gets to find some wonderful treasures! Thankyou Mandy it made my day to see this on your blog! I really have to encourage everyone to go on over to Mandy's blog and check out her art. No kidding not only is this lady one seriously talented photographer she also does incredible paintings, bird cage sculptures and collects cool things like mummifyed rats and bird skulls. You've just got to visit!

I've also been busy working on my Labyrinth book for the Pulp Redux collaboration. I am really loving the way this is coming along although it is still very much a work in progress! If you havn't been over already then make sure you pop over to see the progress on everyone else's books too. We've also had Lisa of Mud Hound Primitives join the collab which is very good news for us! If you havn't already been by her blog I suggest you visit her too!

Hot off the press! My freshly complete Woven page. The photo below shows the pages 'bones' which are kebab sticks stitched onto the page. Below that you can see an 'entangled' page which is not yet finnished. I left the tails that tied the sticks long so that they would tangle. The beads that you can see on the photo above move along and I love the way it feels when you move the beads along and really interact with the page.

The two pages flow over the edges and into each other which may result in another 'entanglement' but that's ok with me!

And last but not least...the Paper Swap partners have been announced on the Woven Letter's blog so if you signed up make sure you go and see who your partner is!