I mentioned a month or so ago that I was exploring a book based on World War I.
In lots of ways I have continued along my earlier path; in lots of ways I have diverged.
I bought two books of war poetry by women; but on ANZAC Day (a day of wartime remembrance here in Australia on the 25th of April each year) I suddenly realised I wanted to write about the work of nurses in the First World War. Luckily for me, our fabulous local book shop Rosetta Books was open and they had the book I was after.
So began a story more about the experiences of nurses in WWI than a book of war poetry written by women.
I am still playing with imagery and pages - their sizes and colours and layouts, but the thread of a story is emerging.
Lots of barbed wire cut outs for de-bossing the pages.
Still playing with ideas, paper, pencil, pen and layouts. The notion of the red cross emerges…
Lots of 'notes to self' on the play page.
A stamp made from a rubber/eraser.
Stamped in red.
Playing with stitched words…
Nothing completely definitive yet, but the story is beginning to be told...
In lots of ways I have continued along my earlier path; in lots of ways I have diverged.
I bought two books of war poetry by women; but on ANZAC Day (a day of wartime remembrance here in Australia on the 25th of April each year) I suddenly realised I wanted to write about the work of nurses in the First World War. Luckily for me, our fabulous local book shop Rosetta Books was open and they had the book I was after.
So began a story more about the experiences of nurses in WWI than a book of war poetry written by women.
I am still playing with imagery and pages - their sizes and colours and layouts, but the thread of a story is emerging.
Lots of barbed wire cut outs for de-bossing the pages.
Still playing with ideas, paper, pencil, pen and layouts. The notion of the red cross emerges…
Lots of 'notes to self' on the play page.
A stamp made from a rubber/eraser.
Stamped in red.
Playing with stitched words…
Nothing completely definitive yet, but the story is beginning to be told...
Your thought process always leaves me feeling very humbled. Me...I just start creating. Not much planning or thinking involved - other than "keep it simple" and "just do it". This book, like all the rest, is wonderful now and is sure to be even more so once complete.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought of coming to the states to teach? Bet I know at least 2 who'd take the class! Enjoy!
Hi Jennifer - we all do it differently don't we? I sometimes worry that I spend too much time in my head; but I seem to have this need for structure, connection and depth somehow. So…I do what I do…I am always intrigued about where the ideas come from, and why like a bolt of lightning the insight arrives and I know that its right and I change direction and head off happily. It's weird but fun!
DeleteNever thought of teaching over your way...
I love what you've created here Fiona. Beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise, it seems to be working for now; slowly emerging and telling me it's story...
DeleteWhat a wonderful book, the stitched words are amazing, thanks for showing.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes from Germany
Christine
Thanks for visiting for afar! I love those hand-stitched words as well; another sudden insight that worked. Go well.
DeleteEvery photo, exquisite! Fiona, every step you take is meaningful and beautiful and this book will be another treasure.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol - thanks so much. Glad the photos are showing it in a good light - I am enjoying working with it and seeing where we end up; still a few things to tidy up and sort, but we are on the way.
DeleteIntriguing, looking forward to seeing it evolve. Love the stitched words.
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerianna - I love the stitched words too - they were just what I was after and much more fun than struggling with bad calligraphy like I was. Go well.
Deletethe barbed wire is such a strong image; something fierce to work with. here's an un-fierce image for you: i've seen salvaged barbed wire from old cow pastures made into huge wire balls that become yard art--two that i've seen in this area. (they become rather festive as folks decorate them seasonally)
ReplyDeleteThanks Velma - I do find barbed wire tough and hard; but I love the idea of the balls being made and used as things of beauty!
DeleteI love the slight smudginess of the last red cross. Very evocative of blood. It just adds an edginess to the pages. Powerful work.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm I see what you mean Amanda! I hadn't thought of it that way, and now I can't see it any other way...
DeleteGreat cutting! Love the depiction of barbed wire Clever.
ReplyDeleteMy fingers were sore after all that cutting Jo- but it was worth it. I love the look of tiny words running through the wire...
DeleteLove the barbed-wire debossing, stitched words, and red cross; this will be a lovely, evocative book...
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharmon - it will be fairly simple I think, and not overdone, but will still speak I hope.
DeleteA theme so carefully and sensitively explored. I love how your thought processes evolve with the book. I think it will be beautifully realised.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lesley. I am often bewitched by the progression of concepts and ideas and how the process leads, then the materials, then the concepts again…a lovely exploration.
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