I recently wrote about how
these book pages had headed off in an entirely different direction than planned. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of going down to the studio, sitting down at the desk and then just seeing what happens next.
It has been like my hands are doing the making - picking this up, moving that around, selecting these colours, images and marks and deciding that this little piece needs to be just here, just so. Each time it has been as if the pages are revealing themselves to me; as if they are already in existence somewhere and I simply need to peel something back for them to be seen.
That's beginning to sound all esoteric, but I have really enjoyed observing the experience. I wonder if it's like how an author of novels feel when the characters just 'write themselves'?
Here are a few of the pages as they emerge - not all of them ended up as cutouts which surprised me as well. I am sure most of them aren't yet finished either...but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
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| ©Fiona Dempster |
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| ©Fiona Dempster |
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| ©Fiona Dempster |
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| ©Fiona Dempster |
Maps are such wonderful materials to work with. These look great. Funny that they should be part of a new process for you in which you are working so much more intuitively, as if the way were charted out already before you, like, oh, following a map! Best to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by these pieces and I know I'll be thinking about them later when I can't see them any more.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very weird thing to try to describe, but some of the characters in my writing have just emerged and their stories have taken over the word stream, as if they have a life of their own somewhere and want to be here with you right now, sharing it.
yes, that is how it happens for me too and it is esoteric... and mysterious eh?
ReplyDeleteFiona, these are gorgeous pages. Interesting turnaround going on here with these maps....or is it a parallel. The maps are certainly guiding you...I'd say just keep following the map and you're certain to get to the destination, but it obviously isn't the place you thought you were heading! Love the transparency, layering and also have a soft spot for all things ladder-like! Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteoh oh oh; these images are wonderful; the ladder...... wonderful
ReplyDeleteso you printed on top of the maps?
boy are these interesting, i like the layering you've worked, and the way the quiet colors are holding on to something special.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to you all for your thoughts and responses to this piece - its a special piece from the heart, and its process has been intriguing.
ReplyDeleteTT/G - oh my I hadn't even thought of it that way! But yes, the maps are guiding me, leading me...wow!
Annie - I am so glad writers also experience the odd takeover moment! It's a funny thing to describe as you say...
LDV/Kat - its good to know others do this and the magic happens
Patti/MBS - I love your advice to follow the map and let it show me the way...the destination is different, but I have so enjoyed the hourney.
Abigail - thanks! The ladder is intriguing for me - it has begun appearing here and there...I actually scanned the map in various sections and combinations and then printed it onto Arches Velin (or Arches text wove) paper in my humble ink jet printer.
Velma - the layering and quietness appeal to me too. I will share a bit more of the story of this book soon.
Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI love where these ideas are going. I'm really taken by the idea of the maps directing you themselves. Whatever is happening it is a visual treat. Can't wait to see more. Lesley
Very beautiful pages, very gentle and mysterious.
ReplyDeleteyou promised a story--i am a sucker for a story--
ReplyDeleteLesley - yes I was intrigued by that thought as well - it has been a joy to work with this as each piece just slots into place.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carol - there is a really gentleness to them.
Velma - I just did the covers yesterday and once its all put together I'll tell the story I promise!