by creative play
A few weeks ago I was doing a bit of a tidy-up of my stacks of print proofs in my studio. I tried to be ruthless and throw out what I was sure I could not reuse in some fashion, such as in mixed media collage work. What I did save, I sometimes tore or cut into pieces, selecting favourite sections with interesting textures, colours or that certain ‘something’. Today I felt inspired to have a look at one small pile which came from a very large collagraph trial print. At some point years ago I had painted and made marks over it. I scanned them and chose my favourites to post here. I love the torn irregular edges which make them look like cloth, more so here than in real life, which is interesting.
And it is already February! Yesterday was the 11th anniversary of this blog. I cannot believe how the years have flown, a sign of getting older I know. I still enjoy having this place for my work, scribblings, and wonderful conversations with so many friends around the world. Thank you all!
February 2, 2015 in Being an Artist, Blogging, Printmaking by Marja-Leena
I like those. Abstractions are pleasing me a lot these days.
Hattie, I’m pleased you like these, thanks!
Lovely!
Thanks, Olga!
I used to collect Moselito’s and his friend’s art therapy creations and do what you did with these interesting pieces and used them as handwritten thank you notes to people who donated their time or goods or money to his Home away from home. Now, 30 years later, the thank you notes are sent on letterhead (no longer by me).
Ellena, what a great idea! Too bad that is not done anymore. I have sometimes made cards out pieces of prints too, and still try to when I find something suitable.
Perhaps someone could design some letterheads with images from the art works of Moselito’s group? Maybe have cards printed up in sets and sell as a fundraiser?
Happy blogiversary!
And what will you do with the torn scraps, Marja-Leena? I should like to see…
Marly, thanks! I am still ‘playing’, needing to look at more of these remnants of prints. It is rather like the act of sketching to stimulate ideas. Sometimes the actual pieces may not be used but might generate other ideas. I’ll let you all know what comes, if anything. Just posting these here is fun for me even if strange for some viewers.
Well, you have always loved remnants from the past (often the very far past) and been inspired by them.
Marly, yes, that seems to have become an inspiration and ever more frequent theme in much of my work. Thanks for seeing that!
They really are lovely, Marja-Leena. I’m reminded of beach scenes and that’s especially welcome right now.
Many congratulations for having kept up such a marvelous blog for so long.
Susan, I’m delighted you are reminded of beach scenes for that’s what I see in the top two. I do understand how you would wish for warm beaches right now with your current wintry weather. (We have another of those heavy rainfall warnings for the next two days.)
Thanks for the congrats and for being such a loyal commentor and friend for many years!
These are absolutely wonderful, Marja -Leena. Not scraps at all but complete works of art in their own right. Not a line or a brushstroke out of place – they are the visual equivalent of the best Haikus.
Natalie, thank you for your wonderful response! I am honoured and so very pleased – it is most encouraging for me as I was still sitting on the fence with these. Onward…