Now Is the Time, 2004, mixed media, 24x30
Studying hieroglyphs from the back of the dictionary when I was young or looking at cave drawings--I've always loved symbols. Learning shorthand was no different; I was fascinated and sometimes created my own. And I was fast--my teacher even suggested I write a textbook. This is shorthand for Now Is the Time (at least, it's my way of writing it). I always thought it was beautiful.
This wonderful brown linen mat with a white rectangle holding a Degas print was found at an auction for $8; the frame had obviously been removed. My plan was to take it apart and use it as a template. Instead, it became part of the art--I covered the print with modeling paste and gesso; then used acrylics and copper shavings for the painting.
Some have seen a rabbit, some have seen a puppy, another saw a bong! I see a symbol--shorthand is probably a lost art.
Now is the time for me to get moving for the Holidays. So far, I've done only one thing--ordered my fruitcake from the Monastery Bakery. Yes, fruitcake with lime jello is my favorite Christmas dessert!
This wonderful brown linen mat with a white rectangle holding a Degas print was found at an auction for $8; the frame had obviously been removed. My plan was to take it apart and use it as a template. Instead, it became part of the art--I covered the print with modeling paste and gesso; then used acrylics and copper shavings for the painting.
Some have seen a rabbit, some have seen a puppy, another saw a bong! I see a symbol--shorthand is probably a lost art.
Now is the time for me to get moving for the Holidays. So far, I've done only one thing--ordered my fruitcake from the Monastery Bakery. Yes, fruitcake with lime jello is my favorite Christmas dessert!
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The artwork has an oriental feel and I just love it. Elegant. Less is more.
ReplyDeleteI love that the line represents words.
Shorthand, something remembered from my childhood. My mother wrote in shorthand. For a brief time she worked as a secretary while raising 8 children. I remember watching her write in shorthand and thinking it was fascinating.
There were three choices available for women--nurse, teacher or secretary. I didn't like blood and wasn't sure about teaching. College was an option but my parents by then lived three blocks away from a college. I wanted freedom. I picked up a Gregg shorthand book at the thrift shop--fun to look at. Just had a thought; use the pages for art.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like that the interesting line actually represents words. Thanks. Elegant and less is more is what I like about your work.
I wouldn't have known it was shorthand until I read your post- but I enjoy the graphic quality and the little eye-drop of orange. And then to realize the wonderful loopy line has another meaning- phenomenal! This is the kind of art I enjoy- thank you for sharing your point of view!
ReplyDeletePAMO
Pamo. I've enjoyed reading all your comments on Kathy's blog. I've checked out your blog several times--I know the excitement of having new studio space and how hard it is to move in there and mess it up. Enjoy it. You seem to be very organized; I'm not.
ReplyDeleteMy first reaction to this when I saw the little icon on Blogger: Dashboard was joy. Don't ask me why. I've stared at it now for several minutes, gone away, and come back to stare at it some more and I just get happy. I would never have known it was shorthand for anything. All I can say is I absolutely LOVE it. Oh, JOY!!!
ReplyDelete-Don
What a great concept, Hallie! The gestural mark is expressive and beautiful, and I like the way you handled colors. Again, the sculptor in you comes out ... strong sense of design. And, I like the Monastary's fruitcakes, too!
ReplyDeleteDon, I think you're right. It is a happy little painting--I imagine a small child making that mark in the sand with a stick.
ReplyDeleteKathy, thanks. This idea was stuck in my head for years--I guess I had to find the frame first (or see Twombly's work). So many jokes are made about fruitcakes--I thought I might be the only one who actually liked them.
Thanks for joining my blog and helping me find yours -- I also read your comments on Kathy's blog -- very insightful.
ReplyDeleteI love yor paintings. They have a sculptural feel to them. This one is delightful. Beautiful shape and terrific color choices.
Thanks, Mary. I enjoy reading your blog and looking at your work.
ReplyDelete