Shades of things to come
A New Enchantment
It was of a friends inspiration that the work I had been doing changed, or revolved, or moved into a new direction. I’m still not sure if I’m slightly miffed that the idea wasn’t mine, or the fact that it was such a simple change that I hadn’t thought of it myself. Everything worked, let me explain.
In May 2022 I was lucky enough to put a small exhibition of recent work together in a local gallery. I say small, but there were 30 or so boxes on display. The exhibition seemed to be a success comments were supportive and I even sold a few pieces- very gratifying. Relieved when all seemed genuinely delighted.
Where and what now? It has to be acknowledged that working towards an exhibition can certainly concentrate the mind and to a certain extent in my case lead to a loss of inspiration. I have to admit to not being able to see my way forward. Then a very dear friend said ‘what about lampshades?’ I admit to being less than enthusiastic. It wasn’t until several weeks later that I had that ‘bugger me’ moment. She was – as is usually the case- quite and indubitably right.
Here on this page will be posted the results of the -hopefully- inspirational idea of Lampshades.
The photo of the shade in blue satin was the first of the few tries of making a lampshade for quite a few years. It sort of went on like the recent boxes in that the beading and embroidery followed in the same lines. In and of itself there were many problems solved and one or two problems that showed up and were too far on to alter.
The frame was recycled from a shade made long ago. The fabric in blue is a Satin finish. Most of the decoration was also something of an experiment. Flowers were made from stiffened organza and satin fabric with rhinestone and bead on decoration. Inside the fabric is a fine lawn with sequin decoration. The light falls through beautifully, unfortunately seams show through too. Something to be sorted on the next attempt.
Then came, something a bit different. After a few goes at making self-supporting shapes by stiffening fine fabrics with PVA I had a go at doing the same for a lampshade. Taking to pieces old frames and using the bulb holder and rim for the top and a plain rim to stretch the bottom edge, off we went. I made three with differing success.
Summer turning into Autumn; brings thoughts of more earthy themes. It’s still a time of trying to work an idea of what could have been in ceramics into another way of expression. Two shades of a more weighty design.
Moving on and back a wee bit to a theme already looked at in quilt designs. Also a first attempt at making a shade that was shaped by way of cunning geometry. Sometimes the art of shape manipulation becomes more tricky than hoped for and learning the knack rather all consuming. Somehow the need to be clever went off and the next shade became drum shaped.
Foot Note; from the Spring of 2023. There was to be an Exhibition in May at a well known local Gallery. It became evident that due to certain circumstances I wouldn’t be able to complete a Collection in time to make a decent show. The images above are some of the pieces that would have been in the collection.