One complete work and three in progress - another is being blocked. At the top, with the tag, is the foundation for the Japan theme - cherry blossom - then from left: Architectural Stonework (complete), the background for Daisy and the base for 1992.
We have another few months of the Travelling Books project before I submit all the sheets for everyone to add to their books. I'm about halfway through the twenty mini-works.
I stalled for a bit, I got stuck on the Swinging 60s theme. It didn't appeal to me for some reason, I'm not sure why. I should have just left it and picked another one that did catch my fancy. I did in the end, inspired by @gillianpearce's #the100dayproject.
Here are some works in progress, waiting for their final additions and finishing points. I've used lots of different techniques for starting and finishing. Some have been blocked and some, like the Daisy background, have not. I like the rough edges and, in 1992, the crinkled surfaces.
This one, Chimneys and Towers, is blocked and finished, save for trimming a few ends. I might leave a few trailing ones, I'm not sure. I like them, but the piece will be mounted into a small sketchbook, so they may not be practical.
I like the final look of this one. I have been pondering how to incorporate the wonderful colours from sunsets, how to get the merging and contrasting distinct shapes of clouds. I think there are some ideas to play with.
I'm enjoying exploring the work of different artists, their techniques, ideas, colours. I like sparseness and muted colours of Cezanne's The Large Bathers and the thick impasto and vibrant colours of Auerbach's Hampstead Road, High Summer.
I've made a few notes below to remind myself where I'm up to and some of the ideas I've had. A new discovery has been Jean-Michel Basquiat. It started with some new Crocs x Basquiat. I was looking for a new pair, the Basquiats were the first I saw. I was entranced, I kept looking, but I already knew I wanted the first ones I had seen. I have them now and was inspired to research the artist. It has been an interesting weekend. The "Critique" link below in the Faces theme gives a good insight and summary.
| Theme | Notes |
|---|---|
| Inspired by Poetry | Completed |
| Museums | From V&A drawings? |
| The Swinging 60s | Completed - revisit? |
| Bridges | Albert/Hammersmith? Frank Auerbach? |
| Chimneys & Towers | Completed - Inspiration: Clapham County School, Gary Ray Smith |
| Fairgrounds | Candy stick i-cords/added knitting. Hand cream horse? |
| Flight | Free knitting - skies, holes and ladders - Erika Knight |
| Faces | Inspiration: Basquiat - Untitled, 1982, Untitled (skull), 1981, Critique |
| 1992 | 500 year anniversary of Columbus - Inspiration Aztecs/Annie Albers - Red Meander, 1969, Mosaic knitting |
| Twists & Turns | Free cables? Complete(?) cables? |
| Daisy | Brioche and Picasso The Rescue, 1932 |
| Allotment Life | Variation of fox paws by Xandy Peters? |
| Japan | Blossomise - needs finishing |
| Explore & Adventure | Limpet photograph? |
| Mathematical patterns | Inspiration: Triangulated Intaglio IV, 1976 - Annie Albers, Argyle Ted Talk |
| Schooldays | Junk Journalling - old books collage? |
| Architectural stonework | Completed |
| Tree | Using railing stitch free knitting |
| A walk in the country | Fence and tunnels? |
| Fashion | Slow vs Fast, Minimalism vs Colour, Masculine vs Feminine |
