Bridgette approached both Seth and I last summer, if memory serves, but with moves, other projects and looming deadlines we weren’t able to start until just before Christmas. We’ve now each seen our books so the time is ripe to start documenting what we’ve been up to.
The first challenge? Create a book structure and come up with a theme. I’ve been generally moving away from mixed media and I knew that both Seth and Bri’s books would likely be more in that vein anyway, I decided to create mine from metal. I thought it would provide a nice challenge both for myself and my co-collaborators.
Collaboration - Shine
Also, I wasn’t married to the finished product as a book structure. So while I did bind the metal pages … loosely … using eyelets at the top of each “page” secured with ball chain … my eventual plan is to hang each of these horizontally as a sort of metal prayer flag string.
Shine - Collaboration
I used a number of different types of metal thinking that should Bri or Seth not want to go the “full metal” route, they would provide more options for mixed media type applications. So included are some copper mesh pages, lighter tin that can be more easily manipulated, along with heavier vintage tin ceiling tiles with cool arch detailing. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. And I hope I haven’t provided TOO difficult a challenge for them. Somehow, knowing their abilities, I don’t think so!
My theme, SHINE, is based on my word for 2009. So what better icon for the front than that of a raven … they … WE … love shiny objects! I had one head left over from a series of bird assemblages I did last year. I chose this tile, one I purchased from Judy’s etsy store just after she first opened it … what last year? Two years ago? Time flies! I love it’s crusty, used, patina. Though I have to say I was a bit worried as I hammered and wired and attached that there wouldn’t be any paint left!
Right around this time I visited Richard Salley‘s site wherein he was showing how to create a “trap bezel”. I hadn’t anticipated using the technique but hey! the muse had other ideas. Mine isn’t nearly as well implemented but it was the perfect way to keep that clear marble in place and the focal point, and meaning for “Shine”. Thanks Richard!
The other elements, wings, hexagonal “frame”, round filigree fell into place. But the balance was out of whack. TOO much metal can end up being cold and this was moving right down that track. I thought of adding bird’s feet (read: Artist shows and collaborations and contests … oh my) but was concerned they’d get tromped given the back-and-forth mailings in its future. I thought … beads? Meh. Chain? Too much metal. I need… something tail-like … ah! Feathers! If they don’t survive I can easily replace them while giving me that “natural” balance I was looking for. Perfect!
Collaboration - Shine
I went to bridgettes pages first…and then came here…i haven’t seen seths part yet
but
this is the most amazing collaboration i have seen this year!
AWESOME work y’all what an inspiration to set forth with these different materials and bring them together…i am at a loss for words
and i am NEVER at a loss…
just fabulous…
Welcome Mar! And thank you for your kind words. It’s been an honour AND such fun to collaborate with both Seth and Bridgette!
looks amazing jen loving all the metal work.
thought of u often in bali- so many stores selling bones of every sort – antique skulls from timor too.
xo
Thanks Judy. Saw some of your Bali photos. yum! Isn’t it interesting how different cultures are? Most people in North American culture get completely squicked when thinking of using bones in anything other than … well … anything, really! But the texture and strength and infinite variety. *swoon*
Or maybe that’s just me.
woah!
That is some serious art… I just got back from 3 days with stephanie lee, and now have a huge mongrel for ll things metal. I love the “pages”. Look fwd to see how they tackle this one.
And I’ve been swooning over your gorgeous Bali Tales! I can see a collab between grrl+boy.
Oh, this is so textural, shiny, and gorgeous. And that bezel is fabulous. What a great contribution to the collaboration.
Isn’t it a cool “capture” idea? Check out Richard’s other work. Totally awesome. Thanks for your kind words Chris.
You seem to be in your zone, kid. Art-wise too
After many months away from my studio I’ve become inspired to do…something. The beginnings: a plastic container with lid pulled from the recycling bag. Great for a “stuff” container, I thought. As the week has rolled on, I’ve added other bits and pieces that I’d usually recycle (a beautifully sienna brown wire mesh bag, the top from a smoked oyster tin, an empty amber srcip bottle, various papers (brown bags, singed parchment), a wine label…) So here’s my challenge. Create something with a week..two weeks…month’s worth of normally recycled and/or found materials. I will if you will? Actually..I will, regardless. Time to balance all the words I do with some visuals.
heh. Appearances CAN be deceiving.
This piece was created in January. My work in Bri’s in February. So my “zone” seems to be a rather drawn out affair.
Be sure to post photos of your recycled art … and take a look at Susan/Robyn’s winter project creating “the pig” from recycled treasure!
What a truly marvellous book Jen. Every time I visit your blog you inspire me. Anything rusted always makes me want to make something too.
Aw Susan, you are too too kind! xoxo
Maybe we need a rust-a-holics 12 step program?
Step One: find more rusty stuff!
Twisted Xmas, who?
Now this is what I call a collaboration, girl.
Enjoy every moment. I was involved in one last year and have been having withdrawl symptoms.
Yah. Twisted Xmas seems to have gone the way of the dodo huh?!? Thanks for the vote of confidence … I’m enjoying the process.
I am such a fan of yours! Truly cool work!
Mary
Mary, you are too kind. Thank you. Thank you!
OOh fabulous! What a collaboration to be part of, you have certainly got your artistic muse doing her thing.
I love how you, Seth and Bridgette are all creating the books out of different forms of structure and techniques, so cool.
Thanks Sonya. Part of the challenge for me was coming up with a structure/material that would stretch Seth and Bri. I KNOW they’ve got the mixed media thang covered. We’ll see what they come up with using metal as a substrate. Ain’t I a pain?!?
Look forward to seeing what the three of y’all come up with!
And good to see your muse has returned from her winter-time break!
Hey Cynjon … it’s shaping up to be a very cool collab, not to mention being able to see both these artists’ work up close’n'personal. The muse is still hiding behind the bushes but at least I know she’s around.
Amazing . . . I can’t wait to see more of this book – and I’m really liking the new blog layout – I haven’t dropped by in person for awhile!
Thanks Bridget.
Yes, always reading from feeds is definitely convenient though not as colourful.
YOU rock Jen!
Thanks Joy!
WOW!
Thanks Nikki!
Glad you are showing this to the world Jen. As good as the pictures look…it is even more unbelievable, indescribable, and incredible in person. Working on/with metal is a challenge but I loved it and cannot wait till I get to do my next page!
Too kind Seth. Can’t wait to work in “Contexture”!
I’m so excited to work in this “book” Jen! It truly is amazing. Seth did a great job on his page. I can now visualize what you meant by a prayer flag. Very cool.
I hope you won’t stress about the metal Bridgette. And I LOVED the plaster pages. Waaay cool!