Studio Update: Paper Quilt

So....I've been absent for awhile. I guess it's that time of year....when the mind wanders and the attention strays. Frankly, I've been feeling lazy and somewhat uninspired, but I kicked myself in the seat the other day and got back in the studio. I think what I need is a way to shift and change things up....take what I'm doing to a new place. 

I've long had in the back of my mind this idea to make a paper "quilt" that would allow me to work larger by building it in modules. This way I can maintain the intimate scale that I crave when working, but create a larger statement. But, the problem in my mind has been attaching the beeswaxed sheets in a way that is functional but also is incorporated into the overall work. I think I've got it envisioned, loosely anyway, and that's all I needed to move forward. So here we are....the work in progress. My beloved lines and dots on alternating vertical and horizontal 4x4" squares as a base. These are obviously not attached, nor are they dipped in beeswax, but that will come. Each square takes around a half an hour so I need to get a few more finished before I start playing with the contrasting drawing bits that will serve as attachments. I've actually no idea what they will be yet....but that's the fun of it!

Oh, I do love the meditative practice of making dots, next to dots, next to dots in an endless pattern of lines.

During my time of being AWOL from the studio I was much more haphazard about making the daily drawings, but I've begun those again. There will be gaps in the record, but I think we must forgive ourselves for our lapses and think of them as incubation periods, perhaps. 

Much of my time lately has been spent in one of those rockers on our front porch. Feels wonderful to read, enjoying the fresh air, watching the birds and listening to the rustle of the cottonwood trees. It's always a thrill to see the irises in bloom as well. These are the last to bloom....I think they are Siberian irises...someone correct me if I'm wrong! Next up, daylilies!

Today is the first day that it has felt really hot outside. This morning it was so cool I had to come inside to have my tea, but now, in the early evening, it feels sweltering.  Now that the real warmth of summer is upon us, I do believe the fireflies should be appearing any day now....that is one of the highlights of summer for me! 

Until next time....cheers!