Sunday, March 1, 2015

Burn baby burn

Susan and I are nearing completion of our 9th collaborative book - our burning book.  We hope to catch up next week so that the books can meet. I have a few bits to finalise and tidy on mine, but it is otherwise pretty much there - big sigh of relief.

But the burning bug has been caught big-time.

I was thinking about grids the other day and how calming I find them to be. Simultaneously I was tidying up the studio and came across a bunch of old watch parts that Barry and I had collected in New York, and somehow the two worlds collided, and then intersected with burning which was well and truly on my brain.

Here is where I started; you can see the few scrawled notes on a page of my notebook. Note I didn't end up cutting up a print and it didn't turn out black and white. The burning bug bit.


I started playing with some squares and some incense-burning patterns.



And things just grew from there, I kept thinking of different patterns I could burn, different combinations, different distances between holes until I had 42 squares and possibly two long thin pieces.

I don't know, maybe they'll become something, maybe not.


I added in a random selection of clock parts - note to self, must raid more of Barry's stash.


Some close ups horizontally,


Vertically,

and one by one...




Clearly it isn't finished - I have a lot of soot to remove and need to think about how to attach the watch parts and the paper and to what and with what other embellishment (or not). I also need to look closely at the layout and design, the different curves and straights and heavies and lights and the size of each watch part,  but it was  surprising outcome from two or three scrappy thoughts.

It has once again been a kind of meditative delight, sitting slowly burning holes, thinking about what and where next, but with absolutely no pressure at all. It was play and exploring and light and yet somehow rather lovely.

And one day during the week I sat down and sewed myself a little top using fabric that Jennifer had sent me ages ago.  It worked out quite well (I am no seamstress) despite having to make loads of adjustments to the Japanese patter. I am edging closer to mastering this!

I didn't want it to look like a bullseye in the centre of my chest, or worse two large circles up the top, and yet I wanted that lovely rusty detail to be featured.  It worked out OK and I have worn it twice already.

Front


and back.


29 comments:

  1. F - the burnt multiples are just beautiful. B

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    1. Thanks B - funny how the little things often work out...

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  2. I agree with Barry - just beautiful. Really looking forward to seeing where this leads .... somewhere magical. Love the top you made from Jennifer's fabric too.

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    1. Thanks Susan - it was a lovely meander, with an interesting result so far! Where to next I wonder? And the top is good fun too!

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  3. Time taken,
    the slow burn of looking
    through the pause, for peace:
    the pattern of understanding ...

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    1. Olga - I love these words, thank you! They capture it so well, the gentle in and out of breath, the search for stillness and peace, the slow reveal of meaning...thank you.

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    2. The words just came when I saw your work - thank you too.

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  4. The imprecision of the individual burn marks feels just right paired with the precision of the watch parts ... all beautifully scaled.

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    1. Thanks Liz - there is atructure and order and gentle randomness isn't there? I'm glad it feels right - it felt right as I went along; I wasn't cranky if one burnt larger or smaller or slightly wonkily...it somehow gels together. Go well.

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  5. Love the burnt squares. And the way the watch part brings in another dimension.
    And well done on the garment sewing!
    Sandy in the UK

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    1. Thanks Sandy! Me and garment making are an interesting combo - but I do so want to do it! I'm not yet quite sure what the watch parts do, but they definitely add strength and character and ....something else. Go well.

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  6. These little burnt pieces are beautiful. I especially like the simplicity of the singles and very much like the 12 set vertically ... but why single out any ... they're all a delight! There is nothing quite like the 'what if' moment when two thoughts collide, is there?

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    1. It was the perfect collision Margaret/Charlton - and something appears you didn't know was there. The singles would like framed in a large frame almost wouldn't they? I'm going to have some fun i think. Go well.

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  7. As usual, beautiful work Fiona. Looks like your SLQ pattern book purchase has come in handy already :)

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    1. It did indeed Robyn! My first effort was more beautiful, but too big so I gave it to my mum who is taller than me. I enjoyed these wee pieces and the fact that there was so much to do with patterns - the more I did the more I realised I could do...

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  8. clock and burn..... mmmmmm yes xxx

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    1. Now I'm thinking I need to burn hole sin that top Ronnie!

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  9. The burnt pieces have me mesmerized. Such seeming simplicity paired with the watch pieces...genius.

    I love the top you made with my rusty cotton. Perhaps I should give it a try as well. There's plenty in the studio just waiting to be used.

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    1. Glad you like the little burn bits J - it was a delightful explore. And I love the top! It worked out well (after I adjusted and re-adjusted the pattern a few times) and it looks great with a dark olive pair of pants I have - worn it twice and feel good!

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  10. I like the idea of burning, such a potentialy wild and difficult process of working, being used in such a contolled manner. Looking forward to seeing where you go with it

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    1. In comparison to some of the light tissue paper burning of late this was way more controlled Jac! I like these repetitive nature of it and the uniqueness of each piece. Good fun.

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  11. Beautiful work and very innovative. Love it.

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    1. Thanks Lyndall - it was a fun time, and I w s amazed at how beautifully the patterns all worked together - and a grid is so harmonious...

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  12. I love your 'burnt offerings'......very calm and contemplative. I have written a post on a wonderful Australian artist, Lindy Lee....who 'paints' with fire. She is a marvellous artist.....I think you may find her work interesting. Happy scorching!!!!

    Ciao

    Robyn

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    1. Thanks Robyn - I love that term 'burnt offerings..."
      It felt calm and contemplative in the making, so its nice they appear that way when finished. I shall go explore Lindy Lee now!

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  13. So beautifully controlled Fiona. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! PS The sewing's not bad either!

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    1. So happy you like them Lesley - I was pleased with them as well! The sewing is OK - still needs refining but I can wear it so I'm pretty darn happy!

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  14. I really enjoyed following your progress & explanations through this magical world of burning/grids/tiny watch bits, Fiona! And I think you did a marvelous job with Jennifer's beautiful fabric - I love the simple/flow-y lines of it...

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    1. I am forever in awe of the process Lisa and it's good to acknowledge and share it I think Lisa, so glad you enjoyed. And yes, the top worked out pretty well too given my skill level! No bulls eyes or targets...

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.