developing themes for my art
I enjoy commenting on the pitfalls of faulty or nonexistent reasoning that have gotten me mired in situations from which I long to extricate myself. In my better moments, I realize that if I get out of my own way, I can attain almost anything I desire. This piece speaks of that process. Teacup Fishing evolved over the course of a few years. The original visual conception (a woman fishing out of a teacup) descended out of the blue while I was working on something else. This rough sketch was made to aid memory. A year or so passed before I was able to photograph my sister, Bebe, in that pose. Fishing is symbolic of our search for and acquisition of the good things in life. Very often we don't feel it's possible for us to have the possessions or circumstances others have because of our class, our lack of education, talent, or beauty, our size, gender or ethnic group membership. To escape the pain of not-having, we often distract ourselves (here symbolized by magazine reading but it could be substance abuse, workaholism or any number of unexamined activities). Amidst distraction, our search is only half-hearted. We seek and accept less, thus limiting our own good fortune. Life in its abundance (symbolized in the finished piece by a large body of water) places no such limitations on us. We have only to keep trying -- in the right location -- and stay alert for opportunities (which usually arrive one step at a time as we prepare ourselves with thought and experience.) By the way, the idea of abundance doesn't only apply financially. We may wish for supportive relationships, vibrant good health or a fulfilling lifestyle. These are possible too, when approached with an open mind, a willing heart and effort.
The reference photos were taken in an interior stairwell of Bebe's house and the first preliminary drawings used a similar set-up. There were no patterns on her clothing or on the walls but I thought patterns might make the piece more interesting. Using markers, I played around with color in various versions. I imagined a lake visible through the window. Later, the window was enlarged to make the water more obvious. When I felt satisfied with the results, the drawing, now with a small table added under the teacup, was transferred to the fabric.
Here is the drawing on fabric, pretty much as it was in the color study just above. Notice the grid drawn in pencil. It's used to replicate the proportions of the preparatory line-drawings made on paper. The window on the upper left and the baseboard on the right show clearly an interior study.
The canvas-stretcher is visible (left of image) because I usually staple the fabric on behind it. This keeps me from leaving too many fingerprints on top of the fabric when handling it day-to-day.
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By the time I'd stitched the image below on the right, I realized that it would be more dramatic to place the subject outside the house, closer to the water, perhaps seated on a pier. Also, I've decided against complicating things with too many patterns or bright colors.
The canvas-stretcher is visible (left of image) because I usually staple the fabric on behind it. This keeps me from leaving too many fingerprints on top of the fabric when handling it day-to-day.
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By the time I'd stitched the image below on the right, I realized that it would be more dramatic to place the subject outside the house, closer to the water, perhaps seated on a pier. Also, I've decided against complicating things with too many patterns or bright colors.
From the struggle above, you can see the importance of sufficient preparation. There is no shortcut.
Teacup Fishing is finished.
Teacup Fishing is finished.