Thursday 31 January 2013

downstream .....


downstream ..... the title of my new book.  I have made a start on the commission I received before Christmas.  One of my books (Moeraki Boulders) was bought by the State Library and another couple who visited the exhibition really wanted to buy it as well.  Of course you cannot duplicate original work, but I said I would make something similar and if they liked it, then they could buy.

Working to commission is a strange thing because with a second book coming out of an initial idea, you are able to put so much more thought into it .... learning from the previous one I think.  For me, the ideas started to flow once I realised that I wanted to work in the dark ink palette I so love.  I worked on this paper and received some shimmery, gorgeous effects and decided it was the paper to use.  Or rather it was the other way round - I worked on sheets of paper and then when I saw the result, decided this was what I would use for my new book.

A few weeks ago Velma asked in one of her posts, if anyone was feeling the desperate need for colour.... 

Well, those of you who know my work, or have become familiar with it through my blog, will know that my work falls firmly in the earthy colour range.  However I seem to have developed an urgent need to incorporate some bold blue in my work. I am a water sign after all!  At this stage I am just playing with some ideas, but I think something coherent is coming.  

Today I finished the Solander Box ...... the favourite I have ever made and I am a little reluctant to use it in something for sale!  I am hoping to be brave enough to use some bold blue on the front of the box, not just inside hidden in certain pages.  The box is 42cms x 13cms and this photograph doesn't do it justice.  It shimmers and to me, speaks of trees along the shore of a secret river.  I only hope I can make a book that I am happy to place in it.




















9 comments:

  1. What can I say? It's exquisite. The subtle, toned-down nuances and that unexpected blue work wonders. I wonder if your trip to Spain will inspire a book?

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  2. I imagine my trip to Spain will inspire a number of books and I hope some huge artwork ....... just have a feeling ;-) Nothing like time out of real life to soak up visual inspiration, to indulge in head space art and ideas. My hope though is that I come back from this trip and then have time to work on those ideas. I WILL MAKE THE TIME! Can't wait. Still hoping I will get the chance to meet you over lunch ;-)

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    1. Maybe Spain will inspire you to use other bold colours too, like red? Red is a very Spanish colour, you know.

      I hope we can meet too! I'll be up to my ears in work for the show but hey, I could even show you a couple of originals!

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  3. Susan, when you wrote about incorporating bold blue, I have to admit I quailed at the thought of it spoiling your gorgeous earthy pages but the thread of blue sings and I really love it. Your book certainly speaks of trees along the shore of a secret river.

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  4. Stunning! I want to know how to make a box like that....

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    1. Thanks Leslie - one day when I head over to New York I will venture further and come and show you how to make a solander box! You can you tube it but i think having someone take you through is soooo much easier. It is a wonderful format to house so many things.

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  5. I love to use blue, but to stay earthy I work with natural indigo pigment.

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  6. oooh I love the title and where this one is going. I like that is has a sibling connection to the first; but a totally unique personality! Looking forward to watching it develop...

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  7. S-love the contrast of the blue and tangled thread. B

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