Thursday and Friday of last week I had a visitor. Adrian II, my grandson entertained us. He is very social...his father, my son, was just the opposite when he was this age...he was quiet and observant. Its been a very long time (14 years) since I've cared for an infant and having him around really takes me back. He is so easy to care for and loves music. I played blues for him this time because he reminded me of an old bluesman (we do nick names in my family) so I called him Blues Man and we rocked and clapped and rocked some more.
I was at the studio for about 5 hours today but felt dull and lack lustered. I've been so crazy about this piece but today I put it up and nothing, felt nothing...I think its more me than the actual piece because it looked just like I pictured it would and wanted it to and have been very excited about it until today. I tried working on the 3rd in the series but felt so uncertain about what I was doing that I placed it aside and took the red silk fabric (can be seen on the design wall a few posts down)and did some hand sewing on it with perle size 8 thread. The idea for what I want to do with this piece was inspired by 3 pieces by the artist Sam Gilliam that I saw over the summer. Its examining whether a monotone colour can hold its own with just using texture.
This is The Robey Clock, the 2nd in the Poetics Series. 
I used Jacquard Silk ExtraOrganza which printed better than the organza I pruchased from Dharma which I cut down to size and ironed on freezer paper to run through my printer. What works for me is the clock (printed on Jacquard silk) behind the sheer, the bone shell African beads in different sizes, the eyes, the stamp work on the background (another symbol for Sankofa), the close stitching lines and that brick red colour and the yellow. I think a mat and frame would improve it and I may do that later on. It has a raw edge with a zig-zag finish which suits the piece well. I'll return tomorrow to the studio space and hopefully will be able to make progress on the 3rd one which is a remake of Lena Bell.
Karoda,
ReplyDeleteAdrian is a doll!
the "Robey Clock" is a beautiful piece...you're right, monotone was a good choice...love the twin needle stitching and eyes peering out at you.
He is so cute! Love the intense look...the seriousness of examining the world.
ReplyDeleteThe eyes really pop this piece into a more intimate zone. The clock, the markers, the text have the feeling of artifacts, then the eyes bring them into the contemporary, the personal -- history not yet completed, looking back and looking forward.
Oh, Adrain is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour work on "Robey Clock" has been wonderful to watch unfold. Thank you for sharing your progress with us and it this piece develops.
Adrian is so cute! This piece is really captivating, especially the eyes drawing you in. I've not used ExtraOrganza, so will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is so adorable. I love how you used his eyes in this piece. And how the text floats over the picture
ReplyDeleteBeautiful child, beautiful quilt - congratulations on both!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with Adrian. He does look like a little blues man.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing my joy!
ReplyDeleteOhmigoodness! He has gotten so big!!!
ReplyDeleteAdrian is a doll, getting big. Hope you continue to be creative at home.
ReplyDeleteKaroda, Your grandson, Adrian is beautiful. A'marie could be the older woman in his life.(smile)
ReplyDeleteThe quilt, you are pulled to the images by Adrian's eyes. I have enjoyed rediscovering you thru this journal.
P.S.
ReplyDeleteSent your web address to two women friends in the UK. I think they will enjoy it.
Beautiful, beautiful boy! The kind of little face you just want to cover in kisses.
ReplyDeleteBlues Man is adorable. Little guys like him make such a pleasant break in routines. They keep us young!
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