Strength, Warmth, Energy, Energy, Energy

So here you go, these are some of the objects that a weaving there way into my life and this piece. They have become inspiration for color and my motherly archetypes symbolism. I will just show some images now and get into details later.

Adjustments

With the changing weather comes many new life changes...I know I'm not the only Collective member starting a new chapter and in that I find comfort...that we can rely on each other to support us through these changing tides. After 4 years of part time freelance work, I have now returned to the 9-5 grind. It has been difficult to get used to the new routine, but I am grateful for this new opportunity. I am still trying to work in a studio practice but I'm confident that it will come with time. Tomorrow is our big trip to Bethlehem to visit the proposed storefront which I'm very excited about. Until soon...peace and wellnes...

denver blog

I shall now torment you with kittens. I am preparing for my "crazy cat lady" archetype themed mixed media artwork.

Sketches and Reference

So I just sent these off as my "sketches" to Heather. Mostly it's the reference material I've gathered to start creating my layouts for the portraits. I'm not sure If I want to work them in cronological order, or just start in on all of them at once so I have various things to work on. We shall see. As it stands right now, I need to see where to get pressed flowers or such for the Iraq portrait, since the local flower season as passed, and we're now into fall. Plus, I don't think I want to press the flowers myself, but it may end of costing way too much to buy pre-pressed ones, especially with the scale I'm planning to do for the portraits.
Happy Fall All!,
Meghan

Revolutionary War


Civil War


WWI


WWII


Iraq War

Lost in Mythology

So, I am still not fixed on my idea for our them archetype. I have just been swept up in research. Mother, of course, speaks to me but from there I have been all over the place. I think I have chosen a window but am very hesitant to make claim to it without knowing what the hell I am doing. Aaaaaahhhhhh!

Strong Women of Wars

So I've had one of those epiphany moments that wakens you in the night and forces you to write it down. Well, except for the fact that it was an early evening nap, and not at night that I was awoken, but you get the picture.
I want to make 5 pieces for our next show. Each of them will be made using a "traditionally feminine" craft technique: pressed flowers, knitting, quilting, embroidery & quilling. I want these pieces to be portraits of womens' roles during wars and the way they've been "allowed" to change over time. I want to do: The Revolutionary War Water Pitcher Ladies, The Civil War Bandage Rollers, World War I Red Cross Nurses, World War II Factory Workers & The current Iraq War Soldiers.
My plan is to use each of the techniques to make one of the portraits, so right now I am at the point when I searching for good reference images for each of the portraits I'd like to do, as well as searching out the materials I will need and the style for each technique.
I'm really looking forward to our next meeting, in a few weeks, but especially due to the fact that we are planning on visiting the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. I've been wanting to go for years, and couldn't think of a better group to go with. And right about now, it's all you guys you are so supportive, that is making all this job and house stuff easier, Thanks!
-Meghan

We've come to fish the herring fish that live in this beautiful sea

My studio mate made an interesting comment the other day about the piece I'm currently working on. She said that it reminded her of fishnet stockings. Hmmm...I said to myself...so very true. It looks very much like a fishing net rather than a spiderweb. My head filled with images of older women attempting to make themselves look younger by wearing younger style clothing often out dated, too tight or otherwise unflattering. I also started to think about the old addage, "There are always more (better, richer, wiser, younger) fish in the sea." My mind is reeling with ideas for how this piece can fit into our upcoming show. I've done my best to take a few pictures but it is a difficult piece to try to document and capture with my little camera. The shadow cast will be just as important an element as the physical materials. I'm hoping to exploit the stretchy nature of the rubber bands and display it in some very dynamic ways. It is all very exciting. I'm hoping the Collective can come for a studio visit to get the full impact of the piece. Until soon...