Friday, April 25, 2014

43 more and I think I need more....

I question my sanity sometimes...because after I finished stitching the one canvas together...I decided I needed to include another canvas in the same fashion.  So, I proceeded to fold and cut the canvas into similar sizes except for three larger pieces that remind me of pieces of meat which troubles me and haven't deciphered what they mean to me at this point.  After stitching all the pieces, I covered each in wax, while the three larger pieces also were rubbed in paint and then re-waxed. I'm not quite certain yet of the configuration it requires  but am trying to work out the logistics of hanging each object together...maybe I need more...

This particular canvas was left with a friend who also has an adoption story, her sister was adopted.  With that in mind, she created a history  for this canvas with the love she holds in her heart for her sister which includes all the complications that unfold with regards to identity and belonging.








Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The Continuation



So, I've been continuing my work on the canvasses I received back.  I think I am beginning to discover some larger issues that are relevant to my art practice and ultimately help refine my output for the upcoming thesis. 

I will post the latest objects in process  today and a little recap of where these canvasses have been and what they are becoming.  

I received this canvas from a friend that had the idea that she would sleep with the canvas for the cycle of the moon.  Well, it was incredibly itchy and uncomfortable to sleep with and she kicked it out of her bed after two days.  She intended to do other things together but she said what she ultimately did was neglect the canvas.  It was representative of other things in her life as well.  She felt really bad about not doing anything with it but it really seems appropriate with the nature of this project.  I am not certain how I am going to hang this one.  It needs some tweaking and will continue to play with how she is presented.











This next one, like the second one, came from a writer.  She also wrote directly onto the canvas. She just let all her feelings out onto the canvas and allowed it to be a cathartic experience.  As I was deciding what to do with Donna's canvas I thought it might be easier to handle if it was softer.  I put it in the sink to soak in water.  Well, I was really shocked and disappointed when I pulled it out and her words were practically gone.  I was sort of freaked out and worried I would do Donna's story a disservice.  Instead, I believe that it became everyone's story.  All the messages we've received each day and how that looks as we carry them with us.  

I decided I would cut them into individual messages and stitch them together...(that was an undertaking since I do not sew, I repeat, DO NOT sew.  But I did it and here they are.  This particular one has more work to be done but will post when I have them assembled.









This third one is another one in progress and am not certain about it's particular direction. But here it is anyway. My daughter sent this one to me and I suspect that is why I am being more tentative with hers.  Hmm...we'll see where this one goes....it is still very unresolved.