Self Portrait: Cow House 2

Step 1: Divide the photograph into four major values; darkest, dark, light, and lighter. These numbers were then transferred onto the pattern. Then each pattern piece with the same value determination was traced onto white cotton cloth. These pieces of fabric were numbered by its value and then dyed. To dye the same color but with different values I started one dye vat and then pulled out the lightest fabric first, then the second 20 min later ect. Since each piece was pulled out at a different time they were rinsed in a soda ash bath serperately to set the color then hung to dry. Since I knew they were then going to be screen printed I left even the darkest grey pretty light so that the lines of the screen print would show up.

Step 2: I photocopied a map of southern Arizona and had it turned into a transparency along with a photo I took of a lizard camoflaged on rocks. These to me reperesented Sam and I's journeys into the wilderness. The map also included where I was involved in a head on collision that left my body scarred and my state of mind greatly altered. Both of the transperancies were turned into silk screens. The map was done on all the fabrics in black, then the lizard screen was done in varying shades of grey to match the tonal value I was shooting for. Though some of the details of the prints were lost what remains is a visual texture similiar to that of the concrete walls.

Step 3: The dyed and screen printed fabrics were heat set and then cut up to match the pattern pieces. Some found and recycled fabrics were incorporated into areas I wanted to stand out-such as the floor.
Since all the printed pattern pieces I wanted sewn in one piece this involved some 90 degreen angle piecing and inserting pieces into holes cut in a larger section of fabric. Overall the different values start creating a feeling of subtle space.

Self Portrait: Cow House 1

Inspired by this genius http://www.jeanaeveklein.com/
And my own very large collection of "middle of nowhere" photographs I set out to create a self portrait that truly embodies where I've been, where I am now, and the people who have greatly influenced me. This is a big project that took a lot of thought and personally investigation to get to the root of what I want to say.
Place and Home are big parts of who I am. Home being not only my house (which is an amazing experience to own) but also places I have lived and learned the most about myself. For me these are the Iowa/Wisconsin border, Asheville NC, and the wilderness of Arizona. Starting here in AZ I stumbled across this photograph that moves my heart in ways I can't explain.

In finding this photo I also came across hundreds of pictures of cows. Arizona is a free range state and in my adventuring with my husband and best friend in the AZ wilds we will often turn the corner on a nothing dirt road and come face to face with a heard. Though domesticated, branded beasts they have a wild look to them buried among the cactus and bramble. Cows also speak of my rural life in the midwest with feilds full of dairy cows. I decided that I pick some of my favorite cows and put them in the space.




So now that I had my composition decided on I used a projector to transfer the image onto large sheets of butcher paper. This became my pattern.

Going Vintage

I'm trying to get back into my studio-a taunting task since my bunny has been wreaking havoc in there lately. So this weekend I ventured in, hoping to make some purses to post for sale. A few years ago I got a ton of vintage fabrics, some recycled, that needed to be backed or quilted to lend them the stability some 30 odd years of wear had robbed. The developement of the Bitch Bag was a perfect project for them with some minor alterations.
Working with recycled vintage fabrics means getting creative. Fabrics may have to be pieced to make enough yardage for a project, which has its only little problem. Vintage fabrics can use tonal values or colors that can be hard to match. In these cases I had two panels that related well and just enough odds and ends to finish two bags. I only had to substitute one modern fabric (for the lining on the mushroom purse).
I am about ready for quilting on these two but first I have to decide what they will say. As cliche as it is the kitten panel may be perfect for "Pussy" but nothing comes to mind for the mushrooms. Progress is moving along as long as I can keep all the stray hair off my projects. If not from the dang bunny then from other furry projects like this Flying Pig/Yorkie I made a few months ago :)