I have no idea if other folk end up doing as many variations on a theme as I do when I am trying to work my way through a project, but this one has taken me left right, centre, up down and around!
As part of my year of women's work, I came across this poem and got permission to use it (only fragments of it appear below). I like how it celebrates woman as they grow older.
But how best to express the ideas dancing in my head?
I was hoping to make this an edition of books, and reproduce it digitally. I don't know if that is going to be possible; but I am still exploring options.
And more options. And then some more.
To date I have been here and there as evidenced below by these drafts and roughs…
I think I've landed on this idea - but am yet to finalise and finesse it…
And then in direct and radical contrast, I thought I would show you where my beautiful Fragile Gains began. It was one of those books that almost came fully formed into the world - I didn't have to fiddle and faddle with design ideas; only the mechanics of the making.
This image shows a to-do list written in New York over Christmas, reminding me of things to sort and settle when we got back home.
Up there in the top right hand corner is the notion of Fragile Gains - and it went pretty much from there to the real deal without much design angst at all. So lovely to be reminded that not every book is full of testing and trying and trying again…
As part of my year of women's work, I came across this poem and got permission to use it (only fragments of it appear below). I like how it celebrates woman as they grow older.
But how best to express the ideas dancing in my head?
I was hoping to make this an edition of books, and reproduce it digitally. I don't know if that is going to be possible; but I am still exploring options.
And more options. And then some more.
To date I have been here and there as evidenced below by these drafts and roughs…
I think I've landed on this idea - but am yet to finalise and finesse it…
And then in direct and radical contrast, I thought I would show you where my beautiful Fragile Gains began. It was one of those books that almost came fully formed into the world - I didn't have to fiddle and faddle with design ideas; only the mechanics of the making.
This image shows a to-do list written in New York over Christmas, reminding me of things to sort and settle when we got back home.
Up there in the top right hand corner is the notion of Fragile Gains - and it went pretty much from there to the real deal without much design angst at all. So lovely to be reminded that not every book is full of testing and trying and trying again…
Hi Fiona
ReplyDeleteAsk me anything. Do I have anything to ask you? Not at the moment - but perhaps something to share. That little piece took my breath away. I love the dance of the script, the space hungry arches and the irregular harmony of it. And the streak of blue - as solid and strong and disapating and fragile as a thought. A little gem.
Hi Hilary - ask me anything is the final line of the poem, which is a great statement I think. I'm glad you like the look of that last piece - these are my own modern versal lower case letters and I love the movement and dance they do too - and the space-hungry arches! I feel like I'm on the right track…go well.
DeleteInteresting isn't it Fiona, how some things come together beautifully and successfully from a few quick notes and ideas and others take so much time and reworking. I always welcome books that just don't work because it does challenge us to work so much harder and find a better solution than we would have ever imagined first up. And then quite often it becomes extraordinary, as your last image shows!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting indeed Helen! I can never pick how one will work - sometimes they start out clear and get muddy; other times they arrive; and at others I struggle and then they just do it themselves! I think there is something special in that struggle as you suggest - altho it doesn't always feel special as you are going thru it. Go well.
DeleteBy the time I'd worked through every image Fiona I was saying 'I am not old, I am rare' like a mantra in my head. Can't wait to see the final poem as I want to read the whole thing. Who is the poet please?
ReplyDeleteWhoever they are, they will appreciate the way you are treating their words. I love the final choice. Looking forward to the finished article.
Thanks Lesley - I am repeating that in my head as well! Samantha Reynolds is the author of the poem; she writes sensitively and is generous with sharing her words. I am hoping I can pull it off as something other than a one off piece, we shall see..
DeleteBeautiful poem Fiona. I am feeling the fragility of age, but I reckon with most artists one's inner self becomes stronger.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good way of thinking about it Jo- our inner selves strengthen, bloom and blossom. I shall send you a link to the full poem so you can enjoy it before I finish the book! Go well.
DeleteA beautiful poem and the way you are responding to it equally full of beautiful possibilities.
ReplyDeleteLots of possibilities in there Susan - almost too many! But I think I've captured the one I want to stay with...
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