Artwork and more during the Pandemic

I had neglected to show the work (except in details)

 previously as these artworks were being saved for the New Image Artists 

exhibit at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.

The theme for that show is ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

so I included the game. Using Granddaughter Alexandra's

hands, on the left and Clark's hands, on the right, playing the game.

 For months past I had developed large papier mache rocks 

and other things made with paper.

We are also creating very large scissors to be arranged on a wall.

 This is IMPERFECT INTENTIONS 

also created for the Rock Paper Scissors exhbit.

 Imperfect because the arrangement is scissors, rocks, and paper.

Above, some of the scissors are embroidered, 

all the rocks are embroidered and

 the paper uses pleated foreign money.

 Much of June was taken up embroidering this 

old sewing machine for an article in the 

Local Living section of the Washington Post.

The article's subject was about how so many people are dusting off

 their old machines to make masks during the pandemic.

That is why I added the tiny red fabric mask to that old machine 

before it was finally photographed for the cover.

The decision to show the ragged edges of the white fabric

came about because the embroidery didn't show up as stitched thread.

 It looked like it had been printed.

 I had asked our grandchildren

 (adults now, all living in their own homes) 

since they had to continue their jobs at home, 

if they had created an office or desk space to go to each day.

Caroline sent me this picture, above, of her office at home. 

She has since bought a new chair to be more comfortable.

I enjoy making cards and wanted to do one for her half birthday.

I took her little home office picture and collaged it into a different space.

That gave me ideas for other collaged cards.

 Since I enjoy still-life art I started cutting out pictures

from magazines to make a group of still-life cards.

 Not as easy or fast as I thought it might be,

 but it is fun to do. I actually had to hunt for

and cut much more than I planned.

 I did take time to stitch some tiny embroideries 

to add in some cards. 

Above the bird and a flower in the vase are embroidered.

 And in this one, another embroidered flower or plant and

a bird perched on the arm of that chair.

Below, this last collage I created for the book of memories 

that our daughter, Vicky compiled from friends and relatives

 for Clark's 95th birthday.

Someday our lives may be back to normal, whatever that is, 

but in the meantime, our lives can be so full of

 many virtual things to do and see.

Having exercise classes available and

 to be able to see Hamilton was such a treat 

besides virtual tours of museums, 

National Parks, lectures, and on and on.

I feel lucky and need a 48 hour day to do and see so much.

Coronavirus Found time?

When everything was closed and all appointments and meetings were canceled

I thought that I had found some time and how could I put it to use.

Of course, I was going to draw and exercise every day, 

clean out cupboards and shelves, organize my studio and read more.

How have I done these past two weeks? 

My plan did not work as I had expected

This is as far as my drawing has gone, just a start.

I wanted to draw some colorful zinnias

 I did finish one piece for the New Image Artists' upcoming exhibit.

This is a detail of an artwork I titled IMPERFECT INTENTION.

Last month I had started to unravel a sweater and 

used some of the yarn to cover part of another large scissor(s).

Having more birthdays approaching there was a need for more cards.

I am always looking for ways to use bits and pieces of unfinished or experimental work.

Years ago I had tucked striped fabrics just to see what would happen when it was ironed.

These two cards with their embroidered butterflies illustrate one result.

 I remembered spending a lot of time working with cardboard slide frames.

AWAKENING THE OBSOLETE is complete with ten 12 by 12-inch panels.

 Painting some of the frames with stripes and filling other with striped fabric, 

 and, filling frames with tiny drawings or paintings 

were more ways I used the obsolete slide frames.

 I had wanted to develop a new format for notecards. 

Starting with some 8 by 11-inch stationery I added slide frames. 

When folded this card just fit in a standard business envelope.

So a new format for notecards that include tiny bits of art in each frame

In between long bouts on the computer, 

I have been walking in our neighborhood. 

 MacArthur Blvd. with lots of white blossoms

 A small white tree at the corner.

And one yard had many colors along their retaining wall.

Now, the big question, will I get back to drawing?

Will I come up with some more use for 

unfinished and experimental work?

Will I clean a closet?

I do not want to waste this 'found' time.

A change of style ?

Wanting to make a change in my work, 

if not style, then in the method of working with fabric and thread.

 Looking at my sketch books I had always made quick realistic

sketches of flowers, before embroidering them.

These cone flowers were in a pot as I drew them.

 Looking at all sides of some zinnias on this page.

But I wanted to change........

 I started putting down ideas for non-realistic flowers in a sketch book.

 Starting with bright colors and fabrics I began creating these stylized flowers.

 Since I have always loved the Dutch and Flemish still-lifes 

I planned to create my own non-realistic version of a classic.

Several insects had to be included.

 And branches with leaves. Leaves are sewn through 

the center vein so may stand out from the dark background.

 I broke with my non-realistic idea when it came to the vase 

and embroidered an image of a vase that I own.

I did not add shadows, though, so it is flat.

 The vase needed to sit on something besides a table 

so, I stacked some books and worked out fictitious titles for them.

 My still-life needed a plate and a bowl to add 

some balance to the whole composition.

The result is titled Satirical Stillness.

It is approximately 44 by 54 inches.

The falling leaves can be changed in positions.

I doubt my friends will think I succeeded in creating 

a non-realistic image, but I was trying. 

Probably this idea will not become a series.