Don't you just love it when you do that? I find that if I ever say 'never', the chances are that I'll be doing whatever it is in about six months time. I'll never buy an embellisher...(silly girl...that took less than six weeks, never mind six months). I'll never work in mixed media (duh...). Those, of course, only affect wee me. I'd just like to apologise to anyone who actually listened to me about this next one. Printing with paper bags. I dismiss it on a regular basis, or rather, I used to. Yes, the dyes are the right kind for transfer dyeing with heat...no, it doesn't always work. So don't do it, right? Wrong.
I was in Jill's studio, working just before Christmas. I was working with Evolon, which, because it has a small percentage of nylon in it, can get a bit tetchy when it comes to being ironed with very hot irons... so I always cover it with something before I do, usually greaseproof paper. As none was immediately to hand, I used a very pretty paper bag, instead. Didn't even bother turning it outsides in, just thought, och well, if it transfers, it transfers... As you can see from the images, it certainly did!
The piece is called 'Dragon Island'. It may turn into a series, called 'Map Of The World', but I'm not sure. Problem is that everything I make has the potential for a series, no matter how slim. When I worked as a Self Development Manager, my manager at the time said despairingly that when asked to do something, I always produced a Rolls Royce. Why couldn't I just stick to creating Minis, instead. Much simpler, easier, faster, cheaper... I still think she was nuts. I believe in doing your best, all the time, no matter what the task. Exploring all the avenues. Thinking, researching, reflecting, designing. How else do you achieve the possible, instead of the easy solution. That is nothing but a state of mind, a decision to explore, to take risks. It can be learnt, and it is, in my opinion, a big part of creative thinking. Scary? Sometimes. But I'm happy enough with how my Evolon piece turned out... At the end of the day, my favourite question, or one of them, is 'What is the worst thing that could possibly happen?'. In this case, not a great deal. The dye transferred or it didn't. The Evolon melted, or it didn't. I liked the design, or I didn't. It's only cloth...
So what risk are you going to take this week?
13 comments:
I am finally getting some old ideas out there with my caps. :)
LOL, Marion. I'll NEVER own a Ford......
But I really will never again buy Heinz!
Hehe, never ever say never ever! I love Dragon Island! Wasn't it Bob Ross who said there are never any mistakes, only happy surprises. :)
I don't have any energy for risk taking this week Marion. I've promised myself a week off to catch up but life is already against me! I re-cycled quite a few paper bags before Christmas because I got frustrated with the transfer thing not working. I shall obviously have to try again with Evolon.
I do like your piece, especially its reference to maps and contour lines.
yes, I can relate to your post but actually not in my creations. I like exploring in this area and don't mind taking risks at all... And I actually begin my sentences with "one day I will have a mid-arm quilting machine..."*wink*
The pieces are very interesting!
I am so glad I'm not the only person who says (and truly means it when spoken) "I'll never do/buy/ whatever!!! Never ever!!!"
That should be a rallying cry for me, and also foreshadowing of things to come.
Well Marion, you made MY day! I feel much much better now.....and it's cheaper than therapy.
That turned out so neat! I'd love to see a Map series..it'd be beautiful!
and yeah...never say never :)
Yes, never say never, a motto to live by. I still can't justify an embellisher yet as a machine that only does one thing just irks my Scottish penny pinching soul. HOW KEWL, though is you happy accident piece. I am really liking the colours you have been working with lately.
I love the colors. This one definitely worked. This week I'm applying to a Spring Craft Show which I've never done before. I may be crazy to think I can sell knitting in the spring but I'm going to try!
Hi Marion! Thanks for commenting on my blog - I appreciated what you had to say, especially since I'm procrastinating on the exercises in the book!
I don't know anything about textile art but you make me want to learn - this piece is fantastic!
i think your blogs are all fine and dandy. i enjoy your artwork and your writing. i just figured out how to drop my card......
I love your current work! You were chosen for my almost wordless wednesday,(Jan 14th), in the storybeader's blog.
Me: the risky tedium of sticking with a task till all the little details are taken care of, instead of leaping out of bounds with (yet another) thing left not quite done. I really know this doesn't sound risky to most people, but it's a dangerous challenge to me!
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