Time to catch up on the main work in my studio, as well as what else I’ve been working on.
I first posted in January about where I want to focus in 2025: larger quilted works that continue to explore the journey of the young girl. (If you’d like to catch up on the beginning of the story, it’s here on my blog from January 19, FairyTale Forest.)
I’ve made a lot of progress.
And I’ve also set it aside for a week or more at a time, thinking through how to proceed with the final steps of pulling things together.
Here’s a section I’m pleased with: The young girl.
I’m happy with the basic drawing. I’m happy with the semi-transparency. I’m happy with the way the transparent blue fabric worked for her dress. I’m happy with the composition and how she fits with the houses.
Here are some of the bird characters:
There will be more stitching done on these. I’m happy so far with the fabric collage. I’m happy with the way they relate to the overall composition. I’ll keep working on the value contrasts. But they are coming along.
Here’s a feeling for the composition of the houses.
I’m happy with the strength of the rooflines. I’m happy with the integration of windows and the other fabrics.
Where I am still in the thinking stage is the integration of all these parts. It’s a tricky story to pull off emotionally.
I’ve created representational shapes for the houses, and incorporated realistic windows, even though the actual architecture is intentionally a bit wonky and childlike. Still, they are the most “real” element of the surface. But I want them to be the most like a memory. I want the girl and the birds to feel like what’s “real;” they are the characters and the storytellers.
How to accomplish that? Still working on it. I’ve tried a lot of mock-up changes in PhotoShop and I did some painting experiments on scraps this afternoon. I am hoping the process comes together this week.
Stimulating. But challenging!
Meanwhile, I ‘ve been creating some smaller paper collages so I have a good mix of sizes and prices for the Studio Tour coming up in two weeks.
These have allowed me to stay productive and do some experimenting while also not jumping into the big quilt till my ideas are ready for that.
Please allow me to again invite all those in close enough driving distance to visit my studio on the tour March 1-2. It’s always a meaningful weekend for me. I’ll have a mix of art to see, as well as works-in-progress and peeks behind the scenes. I hope to see you there.
(To folks who are too far away to visit on the tour, but have been kind enough to send good wishes, many many many thanks.)
For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
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