UGLY! from Feb 2011, an ecoprint that wasn’t very compelling
Okay, maybe not really ugly, but definitely insipid and uninspiring. Remember it? Probably not, i just stumbled over it while looking for something else. I wanted to see/prove that something “ugly” could be the basis for something “beautiful”. When last i put it away, the middle of that month and year, it looked like this:
While the black dogs howl symphonically in the background, i worked some more free motion on it and it became this:
Next step? I changed the orientation, will add some weight on the back with colour (who knew that shot of hot pink peeking through might work? thought it would have to be brown or neutral!) a bit of batting and some substance with handstitch. One “surround” will not be backed at all. First though, i will audition a few other fabrics to make sure that the pink is the correct one! I’m thinking a plummy shade might be better, but i will definitely file this idea for future use if i don’t use it on this one. And i will press it properly 
I present “Pantoum” in the making. It seemed appropriate a title as i tend to repeat myself The stitching is going to reflect that.
I also wanted to share 2 something wonderfuls : Wendy in Ottawa , a wonder of a forest floor wander in a gallery space that makes her work move, in many ways, and Deb’s SUPERB show in Atlanta, where one can see the true size and talent in the work of my favourite friend/mentor!
And this week is perfect for solar dyeing, ecoprinting and rusting!
Chimo
August 5, 2012 at 10:23 am
Intriguing machine stitch joining, you have going on with Pantoum. Lace like. Whatif you kept the transparency of the joining stitches, without a backing pink at all? And suspend the completed piece, either in front of a window or a bit away from a wall – to enable the free floating movement and transparency to be enjoyed? What size is this? I really like where you’re going with this.
Chimo,
Jennifer
arlee
August 5, 2012 at 7:32 pm
Jennifer i was originally going to go just that way–unfortunately it wasn’t a nice cotton to begin with and is rather crunchy. My hope is that stitching will soften it, batting and backing it will make the weight more amenable to hanging, and to leave some areas open as peek a boos.
It’s approximately 24×30″.
arlee
August 6, 2012 at 3:02 pm
HA replying to myself here too–i CAN leave the spaces open and still have a smidge of colour at the edge–thanks Jennifer
MA
August 5, 2012 at 8:38 pm
I’m questioning the wisdom of pressing this – I LIKE the textured rumpled look. Also like the pink!
Wholly Jeanne
August 6, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Sometimes cloth and ideas just have to sit in a cave somewhere for a spell. It maybe crunchy fabric, but I sure like how you’re making it over.
arlee
August 6, 2012 at 3:01 pm
i like that—in a cave indeed