Friday, September 9, 2011

Inspiration Avenue: Patterns

This week, Maggie (Magpie) asked us to use patterns in our Inspiration Avenue art. I got to thinking a lot about how I would interpret that challenge.


At first I considered repeating or recurring patterns, like in the wood piece above. Then I thumbed through some magazines and stumbled on more recurring images that displayed patterns of their own. This was like having a two-fold pattern. Next, I even considered repeating a single image on a block of wood, like a heart that was colored differently for each image.

But in the end, I did a tongue-in-cheek play on words entry.



Yes, this is on a 12 X 12 X 1 inch block of wood. I started by laying down gesso, over which I laid dress patterns in the still wet gesso. When the flimsy dress patterns were dry, I added the photos from the front and back of the pattern package. The front is above, shot in my craft room in natural light.


The back of this piece is also shot in my craft room in natural light.


And here it is scanned. The colors are much truer in natural light, but the resolution is better in the scan.

Don't forget to drop by Inspiration Avenue and see how others interpreted this fun challenge.

23 thoughtful remarks:

Jingle said...

This is so fabulous! I really love it!

Darla said...

Love the play on the word Patterns. This piece turned out really well too.

Darla

KatzElbows said...

I love a twist! What fun. And it's great to get everyone else thinking in a different way.

Catharine said...

I love the play on words, and as a sewing fan I think a great choice.

Halle said...

Love it! Great mind to twist those words. :)
Are the wood blocks leftovers from the porch and stairs to basement projects?

Suz said...

Very clever! I love patterns of all kinds, and I love hearing of your process. You did a great job.
Fondly,
Suz

Julia Dunnit said...

Clever take on the challenge, like it! So..am thinking the light in your workroom is good, and you're working - so the heat is off a bit, huh. BTW, patterns and sewing stuff are ALL the rage in scrapbooking and stamping right now!! You are so on trend!

JoZart Designs said...

Just enjoyed a browse through lovely things... teas, vintage patterns, quiltlets etc., all because I missed you on WOYWW. I've been in Germany visiting my family and had a wonderful chance to catch up with the little'un now she's finished her intensive treatment.
Hope you are well and that your intensive heat is abating.
Love joZarty x

Tracey Fletcher King said...

I wish I had thought of this... I love it. I used to use old dress patterns all the time in my collage and you have inspired me to dig them out and have a look. Thanks for the inspiration!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Very clever!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

hi there Elizabeth wow when first scrolled down thought I was looking at one of my mum's old patterns some of which I still own..
Mmm know what you mean about photo colour versus scan colour and definition, find if it just varies with bit of sheen or unnatural aspects it alters in both but neither are what you really want,
Blessings, Shaz in oz.x

Kat W said...

Clever interpretation of this week's theme that looks great. I love your pieces on wood & like I've said before I want to do more on wood. I also really liked the first photo in this post that was an entry in itself! The elephant collage is especially gorgeous - I adore elephants.

Kat :-) X

Maggie said...

Ha, I love it! When I set this challenge for the week, dress patterns popped into my head too. Great minds think alike, right? What a wonderful collaging material old dress patterns are. I like the back as well as the front of your piece :)

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

This is fantastic Elizabeth, I love it :-)
Anne xx

Terrie said...

This is so clever and unusual. What a great interpretation and a perfect piece for a crafty or sewing room!

Priti Lisa said...

You are such a clever chickie, Elizabeth, that kind of pattern never even occurred to me.
The rusty pages below are really inspiring...I need to rust some stuff! But, you know? I think when the water recedes I might find some rusty treasures down there. Better rusty than moldy!
♥♥♥

Gloria said...

Direct, Distinctive, Inspiring!

voodoo vixen said...

Now you and I obviously think the same... that is absolutely the pattern I would have thought of... and not the other sorts at all!! ;) I love these chunky pieces of art you doing!!

Anonymous said...

Love it :).
Stay inspired!

Carola Bartz said...

I like your take on "patterns" - it's very unique and very you. Very well done.

craftydvl said...

Beautiful! I love how some people were really creative with their interpretation of "pattern," and of course, fashions are made of patterns!

I love vintage everything, fashion, patterns and fashion illustrations and books, and warm colors. So of course, this is a fascinating post to take in (-: The process of how you got to everything was great to see! And just like an actual outfit, there's a front and a back to your piece. Well done --!!

WrightStuff said...

I love your clever interpretation!

Alyn Carlson said...

I've been searching for this exact apron pattern. Is there a number or code on it I might be able to use to search for it on the internet? Thanks so much, Alyn