Wednesday, June 22, 2011

So, what do you think of this?

Plaster is one of my favorite media with which to work.  I've been thinking about some new ways to use it, and I've come up with this design, which is sortof like a patchwork collage:
I like the result pretty well, although I'm going to do something with the upper left hand corner to fill it in.  I'm curious about your reaction to this piece. I almost went totally abstract with just plaster strips in different colors and textures but couldn't resist adding images. I almost stopped there but it felt a little unfinished. I thought about using a row of buttons up top or something more subtle than the lace, flowers and word. So, I'm wondering whether you think this would be better if it were more abstract or less elaborate?  I also considered covering it all with beeswax. What do you think of that idea? I'll no doubt try all these ideas this summer, as well as some others.  So, at this point, I'm open to any and all feedback.
Thanks!
Posted by Maria Ontiveros at 8:48 PM
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18 comments:

Mary B said...

I love the abstract rectangles and the added photos fit lovely but I think buttons would look better than the lace. perhaps little mother of pearl ones. to go with the era of the main photo

June 22, 2011 at 11:04 PM
Amy said...

I think it depends on what you want the piece to say - that's your perogative as the artist. My taste is for abstract and the beeswax - I love the look of beeswax!

June 22, 2011 at 11:14 PM
helena said...

I think if looks great, Ilove all the colours and the patchwork feel. I'd be interested to see one that is just abstract with a word,perhaps partly obscured. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this technique

June 22, 2011 at 11:48 PM
scrappyjacky said...

I'm a big fan of patchwork, so I love this piece....and I can imagine creating something like this on canvas.
I like the addition of just the 2 images....and don't think it's over elaborate at all.....some buttons or charms would work well....and the lace is a perfect addition.
Personally.....I'm probably not a big fan of the completely abstract.....so love the little additions.

June 22, 2011 at 11:58 PM
Irene said...

To me this reminds me of a stained glass panel. I would outline each colored piece with black paint or sew or adhere stitch with some type of material or yarn to make it look like a lead line. Love the multi colors. Hope you post the finished piece of art.

June 23, 2011 at 12:48 AM
Anonymous said...

I love the abstract blocks of color and the patchwork design. The photos seem to get lost, though, so I think I would find some way to draw the eye to them or perhaps use a larger photo. Actually I guess it depends on what you want the focus to be. I'd love to see what beeswax does. I am so unfamiliar with lots of the media you use, but fascinated nonetheless.

June 23, 2011 at 3:38 AM
Unknown said...

I think the blocks work well, I don't think I would add much else to it.

June 23, 2011 at 4:23 AM
Sian said...

You are getting a few interesting suggestions here! I love the beeswax look, but there is something about this piece which makes me want to reach out and touch it, and the beeswax might take that away. I like it just the way it is!

June 23, 2011 at 4:37 AM
Cheri said...

I love the lace for the added texture, but the bright white is distracting from the rest of the piece. What if you dyed the lace to fit in with the color scheme? Then you could have the texture, but it would be more subtle? Not actually a fan of the flowers... I'd replace those with pearl buttons, or sea glass, or as someone else suggested, something that fits the era.

June 23, 2011 at 5:12 AM
laurie said...

i like the soft, colorful look of this piece. wax would be an interesting addition. personally, i wouldn't add buttons because i love the block look - more artsy than craftsy.

June 23, 2011 at 6:57 AM
Dina said...

I think the piece is great, wish I could fondle it in real life to really enjoy the texture of it.

June 23, 2011 at 2:39 PM
Ginger said...

I really like the mix of colours here Rinda. I like the lace and not sure about the abstract with your vintage photos. What about making the lace a different colour - you could dye it the yellowy colour that's at the bottom right, but lighter? I actually think it looks wonderful in the top photo next to the stone and clock. Thanks for your comment today Rinda :)

June 23, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Ginger said...

Oh Rinda - I just read the comment again - what I meant was I like the lace with the abstract, I was going to say I wasn't sure about beeswax (I've not seen that before)..My stars are not aligning :(

June 23, 2011 at 7:51 PM
Gez Butterworth said...

Oh this is stunning..it caught my eye as soon as I clicked on your blog and just had to come and see! I love the strong vibrant colours together and the flowers across the top are just adoreable. This is adorable and something to treasure. Enjoy.xx

June 23, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Denise said...

What do i think of it - well,it's fab!lovely colour combinations and perfect use of the images - lovely !

June 24, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Alison said...

I love the patchwork look and the colours you've used...don't think I would change it, but then I'm sadly lacking in the imagination dept!
Alison xx

June 24, 2011 at 8:54 AM
humel said...

My reaction was 'Wow'! This is stunning :) My own personal taste would be for abstract and I love the sound of the beeswax, but as Amy says I think you should go for the kind of thing you feel led to create yourself, following your own taste and inclination :)

Having said that, I always feel flattered when someone asks my opinion on a piece, so thank you for that! In which case, my advice is to try out all these different ideas and have a lot of fun with them all and then show us the results, please xx

June 24, 2011 at 12:04 PM
ComfyMom~Stacey said...

I really like the lace & the colors at the top!

June 25, 2011 at 7:42 AM

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