I am struggling with this block that I seem to have about large work. Or maybe it just isn't my thing. Maybe my ideas and my vision are small. I do love the detail—the focused-in view—the isolated element.
And so for the past week I have been carrying around little bits of fabric and I have been hand-stitching (machine too) and—god-of-all-that-is-restrained-and-harmonious-please-forgive-me—I have been sewing beads and such on cloth. What is going on? I have been vocal about my dislike of "beads and crap" on quilts for a long time, yet for some reason I keep buying beads. I have a lot of them. I just knew that someday I might want them. Really, what bothers me most about most of the embellished work I see is "glitz"—I'm not a glitz person. My bead collection is relatively earthy and does not twinkle or sparkle much. And I hate when I see really bad work that has been embellished as, perhaps, a distraction from the basic lack of good design. And I hate when I see really good work that has been ruined by unnecessary beads and crap. That doesn't leave a wide space in my narrow mind for beaded and embellished art. But I seem to be wedging a small opening in there and finding some contentment in stitching and beading. It might not amount to anything. Maybe it's just therapy. Bead therapy. So be it.
I'm confident that whatever you decide to do with the beads it will be "you" and excellent. :)
ReplyDeleteI , too, sew beads on things--and then remove them. I like sewing beads. I don't like the finished product. To solve my "problem" I made a few sewing kit types of items and stitched with embroidery and beaded to excess. Crazy quilt meets the future. No one sees them but me and the gals behind the glass doors at the doctor, eye doctor and dentist offices.
ReplyDeleteI have also started using the round beads to make spacers with rolled paper beads. Little bracelets. Fun. We have to have fun, right???
What an interesting configuration of the fly stitch! I love it. The cluster of beads is great too.
ReplyDeleteThe little "snippet" shown that you are beading is wonderful. Obviously you have a flair for embellishment, so it's a good thing you are eating crow and letting your hidden talent shine! (smile)
ReplyDeleteI like the fabric and the stitching and in this case the beads complement them very well- in style, color and arrangement. A very cohesive piece. After working on such large pieces a change of pace seems just right to me. Have fun !
ReplyDeleteAh, the gap between process and result. I am thinking that if there is anyone who can use beads in a clean graphic way, it is you! But what matters is that you are having fun.
ReplyDeleteI like the detail of the stitches and beads you've created. I find that sometimes, the enjoyment of the process and the feel of various materials in my hands during the making is the most important aspect.
ReplyDeleteI often question why big artwork is "better." Or why some exhibitions only want larger pieces. Obviously, they make a bigger impact, but so do some smaller works in a more intimate way.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like at the museum the collectors forum always picks the largest pieces to purchase (even though they may not always be the best choice and we really have no more room in the vault to store them). Small is just as valid.