I began serious work on a prototype book over the weekend, working with those
lovely rusted scrolls that in the end, didn't become scrolls...
It's nice to have the time to have pieces sitting around, letting you wander past and ponder what they might do next, what they might become. These long snake-like strips told me the other day that I should pull threads and make lines. The title of Barry and my show in Melbourne in October is "Light and Lines"; Barry is doing the light, I am doing the lines. So pull threads I did.
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| ©Fiona Dempster - rusted scrolls, pulled threads |
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| ©Fiona Dempster - rusted scrolls, pulled threads |
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| ©Fiona Dempster - rusted scrolls, pulled threads |
And then I began to dream about weaving them in and out of the pages in a book. I found some stunning paper in my stash, folded it and started snipping slits in it. Then I began to weave the scrolls thru....ahhh the magic began.
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| ©2011 Fiona Dempster - prototype for rusted scrolls |
I played for ages with these pages, changing where the slits would start and end; pulling the fabric taut and loose; working out how much would show and how much would be hidden. Discovering how to finish it off and overall just having one of those magical sessions where the piece kept unfolding before my very eyes, within my hands, and I had to jot down notes as I went as it was all happening with such thrill and speed that I feared I might overlook something in the final piece if I didn't capture that moment of inspiration!
Here's a final tantalising glimpse of where the prototype got to...
Wow - wishing I could look at this right in front of me. A new poem I'm working on at the moment mentions having a list of words written across a very long narrow strip, so it's interesting to see yours.
ReplyDeletefabulous indeed!
ReplyDeleteOh! What a day you had! Pulling threads out to create lines...genius.
ReplyDeleteFiona I always so enjoy your posts. What I would dearly love is to have a day in your studio with you - photographing you working and making things together! One day....
ReplyDeleteAnd also - it makes me wonder why some people sometimes say they are bored. There are so many things to create with, everywhere - and you have the open-ness to find it!
ReplyDeleteFiona....tantalizing alright! What a magical time you had! I suppose if it were always that great, we'd never survive the excitement! Happy pushing and pulling...cheers!
ReplyDeleteYou were definitely in 'the zone' Fiona. Inspired work.
ReplyDeleteF-the rusted bits seemed to have written their own language on these scrolls. Great macro shots. B
ReplyDeleteOh Annie - that's a magical moment right there! Wow - perhaps there's an opportunity in it too! I look forward to eh poem's unveiling in time...
ReplyDeleteRonnie - thanks - it was fabulous fun!
Jennifer - it was great the way it flowed...not sure you can it genius, but those moments are definitely 'inspired' in some way. I like the lines they made as well.
Louise - thanks so much! Wouldn't it be great to have a play day? I'm sure you would photograph things I don't even see, and it would be lovely to make books together...and bored? who could ever find the time to be? I think I have maybe 3 lifetimes to be busy with yet!
Patti - thanks so much - you know those moments when it works. I agree; it would be like being on happy drugs if it was always like this - I was virtually floating back to the house!
Thanks Jo - yes it was definitely 'the zone' and if I could work out the recipe for re-creating it I'd make a mint! Still, I'll take it when it comes - its special for sure. Go well.
B- so true - there are messages in there, and hidden words and meanings...
ReplyDeleteyou are cookin' with gas, girl! looks so great!
ReplyDeleteLooking good Fiona. It's so nice to hear and listen to that voice - your on a winner!
ReplyDeleteVelma - thanks so much - it was great!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim - thanks too. I agree, listening to the voice is what gets you there - so hard to explain that pieces 'speak' to you or 'talk' to you without sounding totally hippy; but I honestly have thoughts/hear voices - but in the nicest possible way.
What a fabulous feeling Fiona when an idea starts to gain a life of its own and almost dictates where you take it. I am a sucker for rust in all its forms as you know so this strikes a chord with me and I can't wait for more of a 'reveal' at a later date!
ReplyDeleteGreat work, F! The rust color and the symbols it creates on the strips are just stunning, but who would have thought they would end up woven into a book? Your use of materials is amazing!
ReplyDeleteLike Barry, I love the macro shots of the fabric. The over-sized book with the scrolls stretching between the covers looks wonderful too. Looks like you had a great day - it's so much fun following the path of discovery.
ReplyDeleteLesley so true that it is a fabulous feeling; and one you can't just create or re-create at will. It simply happens, mostly without you!
ReplyDeleteG/TT - Thanks! I too love the glyphs the rust left behind; the hidden stories and messages of text and language unknown to us.
Amanda - there is mystery in those macro shots isn't there? And as you say, so much fun getting on the path and following where it may go...