More Kaleidoscopes ...

Found this today - great visuals:

Mandala ...

After the revelation of the wardrobe (see Escape via below) I suddenly thought of an answer to something that's been floating around at the back of my mind for a good few years (was listening to the track below):

Thoughts to continue .... Experimentation with some natural dyes & a red cabbage led me down the path of designing a personal Mandala. Think this may now be starting to take shape especially when I also found some photos of my Kaleidoscope images.  The changing shapes are fascinating with links to Fractals & some experimental designs I obtained when 'ice-painting'.

" The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe " ...

One of my 'colour' wardrobes

Whilst playing a track on my iPod this morning, a track sparked off a 'special' escape I tried several times when very much younger ...

In my mother's wardrobe were a selection of fur coats and being an avid reader of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, I also wanted to visit this magical land. I tried many times in school holidays (usually) but was unable to get anywhere so when the film of the book came out several years ago, I went to see it. The magical place was exactly as I had then imagined it!

On reflection now, its ironic that over the years on numerous occasions, I have managed to 'escape'  via a wardrobe ... strangely to somewhere that involved making clothes !

Back to Black ...

Black holds many memories for me & I find its entire definition another fascinating topic. It's also my favourite colour & one I often come back to working with. Last week, Amy Winehouse died so naturally a favourite track is:

It also reminded me that several years ago, I went on a weekend journey & recorded everything to do with black in a notebook ... images, words & thoughts. In sorting out, I came across that notebook & photos - here's just 2 thoughts with accompanying sketches:

Have just noticed an owl features in both!

Or nue ...

In the recent past, I've studied some traditional embroidery techniques. One I 'turned on its head' for some experimental work is known as ' Or nue ' which if you click on, you can read more about.

Using some unconventional materials, I stitched a '2-way face'. Now framed & in a silver mount (so difficult to photograph), the image tends to move & change colour. Again, this is another technique I want to resurrect.

Stitched face

Lace ...

Here's some better shots of the Mask which as you can see, tend to 'come alive' in in certain lighting conditions.

Embroidered mask - close-up

Embroidered mask - close-up

It is this aspect of the lace that I want to experiment with - so here's the stitching samples to remind me!

Lace-making notes

Past Images ...

As I'm sifting through earlier work, I've come across a few images that remind me of certain techniques I need to expand on. Here's 2 contrasting references for 'Reflection':

City Sunlight

Country Moonlight