Window Dressing

I created Window Dressing last summer. I think it would be safe to say that this piece is a follow up to Red Line.  The inspiration for this piece was the same as Red Line.  Here are a few images that inspired these works:

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The photos are of steel structures / bridges that I photographed around Portland, Oregon.

Window Dressing was a study of what happens between the spaces of lines that intersect.  I used one of my favorite color palettes, black and white.  I really love the clean, crisp contrast between these colors.  

 Just like Red Line, there are pieces of colored cloth appliquéd in selective areas on the piece.  When I was working on this element, it was simply figuring out what color and pattern, would be selected and sewn in the chosen box or space.  When I am working on this part of the art piece, it is intuitive, and simply a matter of eyeballing the location for the next area to receive a colored square. As I continue applying the small pieces there is a point when I know it is complete.  I find working with small pieces and doing this handwork enjoyable.  I guess I would describe it as very contemplative.

I machine stitched the white lines to add texture and depth.  Window Dressing is actually two pieces, the graphic black and white piece is mounted on a stitched black layer that lays behind it.  My goal with this piece was to create visual layers starting from the back and moving forward.  There are three layers; the background black layer, the graphic black and white work, followed by the appliquéd blocks that fill in selected areas on the face of the piece.

Window Dressing measures 42"x42".  I used commercial cotton cloth, and Duponi silk in this work.

Well I think we are caught up on all the new works that have recently been posted!  In the weeks to come I have some new things to show you.  I have been working on a small study these last couple of months.  The works are for a local show so I will post them after the show has been hung.  The show I am referring to is local in Portland and will open in April.  I will post more information on this exhibit soon.

In the mean time, I am getting ready to start a new series of work that I am really excited about. I will start this new series the first of March.   I will be sharing the details about that soon.  This series will take up the next few months and most likely a good chunk of time beyond the initial start.   I am challenging myself to chronilogically share and post pictures for you regarding my creative thought process while I am working in this series so that you can follow along and see my progress, challenges, and the art that will be produced.   I promise to be totally transparent, and we shall see where this goes....  Until next time, be well.