Variations on a theme of black and white, positive and negative shapes, holes, spaces and hints of something, and then there's where to stitch and not to stitch, and even whether to stitch at all (I did a bit, though it's hard to see here) ...
... this small series of pieces exploring stitch on photographs is giving me much to ponder over.
... this small series of pieces exploring stitch on photographs is giving me much to ponder over.
I only hope you can see the fine detail and tell Pitt pen from stitch in the two details above (left clicking on the image to enlarge helps a bit).
These are fantastic, Margaret! Really awesome work.
ReplyDeleteVery many thanks for your kind comment, Connie. I'm pausing for thought now after completing the series of four. These pieces measure 11 inches square (28 cm) with their mounts and how to work larger on this theme without losing the detail and impact is my next problem.
DeleteHi Margaret- It's been a while since I've had time to bop around blogland...Just want you to know how much I've enjoyed your explorations in black and white...photos, drawing and now stitching!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I've enjoyed your black and white stitching too. It's as great way to work, isn't it - the ultimate contrast? Sometime soon, I guess colour will intrude, but till then I have much more to try out.
DeleteI must say Margaret, I'm with Connie Rose - I love what you've done here - would really like to see them 'in the flesh' - just goes to show how following your curiosity leads you to artistic growth - lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your kind comments. I hope to exhibit these pieces and / or similar in Malmesbury in November. I think from posts and previous exchanges that you live relatively close. It would be great to meet you.
DeleteI see the potential here. I also see Alaska in the last detail shot. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheila, for your comments ... interesting what others see in abstract images!
DeleteDistinguishing between pen and stitch - words to ponder, in my constant asking of the "why fabric, why stitch" question! The hand can certainly make the distinction...
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the perennial question for me too. In this case, ground paper and photos were viewed as textiles (if not fabric? - now there's a thought, is there a difference?) and the stitch was there to give texture and to break up the very crisp, contrasted images a little. The more I go down my current route, though, the more I seem to be edging away from traditional textiles (not that it bothers me!). Maybe I'll move to developing the two things side by side.
DeletePaper is fibre, fabric is fibre, canvas (for oil painting, is fibre ... so are oil painters actually fibre artists ;)) !
ReplyDeleteI love adding paper to my work, whether hand or machine stitched to my fibre background. Keep up the good work, Margaret, these B&W's are beautiful !
Oil painters as fibre artists ... now that perception would set the cat among the pigeons! Might Textile art finally be fully accepted as a branch of fine art?
DeleteAbsolutely ! Fun ahead ;)
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