Studio Sunday - Sewn Together

Most of my work comes easily, my inspiration comes from the beauty I find in the world.  But ever so often comes along an idea that stirs up difficult emotions.  I find it very challenging to represent these emotions or experiences.

This happens to be one of those difficult pieces, not difficult to create, but difficult to express.  My inspiration first came from Frida Kahlo's work and her expressions of the pain, both physically and emotionally, that she had to deal with her entire life.  Honestly, I think this is something we can all relate to.  Most of us are in poor health and ignore the symptoms. We deal with constant stress mentally and physically.   We don't even know what it is to feel alive and in good health, unless we have reached the point where we feel significantly better.  This is what happened to me, I had that aha moment, and since then I have been striving to keep myself in good health.

I knew exactly how I wanted to make the dress for this piece, but then I struggled with the background.  My first idea I tossed, then started on another, one that I put a bit more of myself into.  I felt less restricted, stitching in an intuitive fashion, cutting here and there and adding where I see fit.  I am quite pleased with the result. This work of art speaks to me, and I hope to you in some way.

Available here.

Little Dress Diorama - Pay What You Wish Opportunity

This month I am offering this sweet little diorama as a "Pay What You Wish" opportunity. It is difficult for me to put a price on something I make, so much of my time and care goes into each piece. This allows anyone, no matter what their budget is, to purchase an original work of art. I believe that people are generous and like to support artists and craftspeople when given the opportunity.

I would like to provide a work of art to the person who could benefit from it the most. This small box features a hand embroidered dress on 80 to 100 year old antique heirloom linen. I construct the little box, then add layers of paper and recycled tea bag paper to cover it.  I then paint it using acrylic paint and seal it in a matte medium.  It measures approximately 3" by 3 1/2" by 1 3/4". This took approximately 4 hours to make.  I have another box, similar to this one, available for $50 here.

Here is how it works:
-Send an e-mail to naturescorridor@hotmail.com . Tell me why you want it or what you like about it.

-What price you would like to pay for it.  I am requiring a minimum of $5 for U.S. customers, and $9 for international customers to cover fees and shipping cost.  Please keep this in mind when determining the price.

-Please respond by Sunday March, 15th.

If more than one person is interested in this work of art I will choose based on who I think will benefit from it the most, not the price you will pay.

Please share with anyone you think might be interested!

In Her Garden

I was feeling restricted with art on canvas. I needed something a little more three dimensional. I constructed a small box out of the backing of a watercolor pad. Then I added all the tiny details you see here! This piece was an experiment, so it is available in my shop at a special price.