Monday, May 25, 2009

I call her "Bella Pacifica"

I call her "Bella Pacifica" because I hope you will agree, she is  both "beautiful" and "at peace." This fresco transferred onto linen has some unique, interesting and even rare aspects to it. I am happy to share this with you but first take some time to just enjoy!

You probably noticed the many layers of the presentation. This idea developed after a realization I had with fellow artist Whitney Peckman. 

Whitney, is an extremely talented artist who specializes in gourd painting and is also a former weaver. She validated the beauty and exquisiteness of a piece of hand loomed  linen I had acquired from some special friends I have in Calabria. She noted how well made it was and how rare it was to find something of that calibre in our modern day! 

I had been waiting for a special project that would accomodate this beautiful and rare piece of history, and Whitney and I were in agreement, this was it! 

How I ended up getting this linen is another interesting story, but I will save that for the special people that end up with the piece! Well ok, if someone asks through a comment I will be obliged to answer!

The burnt edges of the fresco (very burnt in areas) echoes the distressed texture of the surface and is complimented by the loose weave and tea stained cheesecloth I used as backing.  She floats on the rustic linen, but then the whole thing is mounted on a fine linen. The presentation will be complete once framed in a beautifully carved Italian moulding that will pick up the burnt tones in the background. 

Can't wait to exhibit her at the 20th anniversary Celebration of Fine Art in 2010! This will be a wonderful year for pushing the envelope, breaking new ground, and foraging into new territory!

Keep your eyes and ears open... it will be an exciting year and I will be sure to keep you posted! For now I will continue on my new body of work inspired by the beauty of summer and hope for the future ahead!