Working from these wood block prints by Hiroshige has been a challenge. I'm finding a wealth of interpretation and definition in the wee corners of the internet. Google has not failed me yet and I am clinging out of dear exhaustion to understand how I am going to internalize and grow with what I have found. I may be able to build the deck from bits and piece of paper ephemera I collect, still another hurdle after synthesis is application. {Goodness! Just thought of something; to add in the fourteen stations of the cross and if not that a schmattering of saints dear to me as well. Please don't call me sacrilegious just yet. I have a tendency to build everything and anything in the studio and in my mind cross culturally. I refuse to stand on formality if it means a treasure trove of wisdom at my fingertips to use for the rest of my life. Not to mention integrating t(T)raditions as the patience in my intellect allows.} So, back to application. Finding my way through layouts that make the cards in tandem sing a revolution of the intellect and heart may prove to be a mile marker in this journey.
So, I write to track progress and maybe evolve into publication if I find a successful method. There is something about collage, playing cards, and artist cards that rings deep in my creativity. Honestly I'm thinking about that over 2,000 some number of collages that Kurt Schwitterz produced in his lifetime and I'm wondering if I'll get close. Well, I doubt that, because I'm always playing with needles and thread. At this point it is a symbiotic relationship with one pursuit feeding the other. Switching gears early and mid-year to collage is difficult sometimes, though the spark to drive a new series comes on the hilt of quilt frequently of late.
Last grace note:
Friends reminded me of my hearts yesterday. I almost fell out of the chair. I had put the concept as about a year ago because for one, they are not symbolic of Christmas, and two, I had no red whatsoever. The concept is to build ornaments; any size, any type, any shape. As long as it hangs, twirls, and catches light. As long as it is made by hand, tribal in nature, and born reconstructed out of the fabric bin. As long as I can find room in the both and maintain my tendency toward the eclectic, then and only then can it be made. So here I am on a severe deadline of October 4th, putting the quilt down and hand sewing an idea and working it out with every stitch. There is no pattern, dear. I'm putting my skills out there dear. I'm taking on the challenge with a happy heart as it was hard Saturday trying to stay away from all things art and not descend into the second layer of hell a little quicker than usual. So, I've got three complete with nine more to go that are cut. I have an itch to create at least two that are encrusted with buttons or handmade beads. I'm breathing again. Accent on the exhale.
As ever, stay hungry and curious.