I had the same experience a few days ago when I decided to tear down a larger drawing that had been laying around for many years. I liked parts of it, not enough to keep working on it, but just enough not to throw it away, so in moment of do or die, I started to tear it down into smaller pieces. The drawing started out about 11x15" and was on the handmade paper that my husband makes periodically, so earthy and sturdy and lovely to work on. I'd painted the piece a kind of minty green and it had been dipped in beeswax, with some drawing and sewing on it already, much of which I'd ripped out...but that made it even better...the trace of the earlier sewing and the holes left behind. So, since I've been working smaller lately, I thought I couldn't go wrong by tearing it down and reinventing the piece. As I thought about continuing to sew on one of the new small pieces, I casually turned it over and fell in love with the backside...unpainted paper flecked with bits of of color left from the ink on the prints he'd torn down to turn into the paper, made all the more luscious and rich by the addition of beeswax. So exciting! I finished the little piece and added it to my shop titled Lost Book Page. As you see, I think of it now as a book page, a fragment torn from an ancient volume, so there is recto (front) and verso (back)...2 pieces in one! I know, for me, which side is the front and which is the back. Here it is, back side and then front side below.
Here's to the happy surprises...keep your eyes open!
These are lovely, Patti - both sides! It is always a good thing to think outside the box, even if that just means turning the box over! And speaking of boxes...you should be receiving one this weekend! Here's to happy surprises... Best to you, G
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, G.-- yes, those boxes...just when you think you're outside the box, you find yourself hemmed in by another one! I'll VERY much look forward to the little package and know that yours is on its way soon!
ReplyDeleteLove what you have done here! I will take your advice and keep my eyes open- best advice ever- its so easy to sink inside and repeat anxiety mantras! Love your artwork- such an inspiration!XX
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Annamaria! We must all remember all the wonderful supporters we have when we find ourselves sinking...your work and support are always a wonderful uplift! Thanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteI really love the underside of this one - how often do you turn something over and think 'oh now THAT's nice'? Both sides are gorgeous actually.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fiona...it does happen sometimes, that the back is at least as intriguing as the front. And, once that moment comes, it seems that you lose track of which side is which. What I'm working up to, perhaps, is making a little book full of stitching, which would mean, because of its structure as a book, that both sides would be part of the conversation!
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