Creativity is not on a schedule
It’s been way too long since I posted, I know. Crazy/maddening/depressing stuff going on at home and with family. But I actually have been at play. Finally, at least three years after screenprinting a pattern of abstract houses (at a Penland class taught by Clare Verstegen), I am now working on embellishing the fabric to tell a story about some of the places I have called “home”: West Seneca, New York; Chicago; and Falls Church, Virginia.
The project finally ripened, so to speak. During the course, I completed this print as a study in color rhythm and registraton. I really knew nothing about embroidering, and little about sewing except for putting on buttons or hemming pants. Since then, I learned to embroider. I’ve spent countless hours soaking up books on fabric collage, scrapbooking, altered art, and image transfer. I took a workshop in fiber art. I’ve gained confidence to push back that nagging internal editor/dictator. I’m settled into my new apartment.
Now, as I proceed, I have to keep telling myself, soldier on, girl! Don’t make this into yet another overly complicated, overly thought-out project. Just go with the flow and have fun!
Initial layout for embellishing the houses fabric. Roofs and foundations will be map fragments fused to the fabric. © Chris Raymond
Sketch of my plan of action, including dimensions for add-on collaged elements. © Chris Raymond
A close-up of the first stages, showing embroidered letters and a photo transfer of Mom in front of, of course, a snow bank! © Chris RaymondTags: fabric, fiber art, narrative art, screenprinting