Saturday, April 21, 2007

Day 355
On the last day, all classes have an exhibition of the work they have done, whether it be finished pieces or samples. Our class moved directly from the self portrait to begin on a 'narrative portrait' to take the whole 4 1/2 days. We first laid out a blanket 'sandwhich', incorporating the borders of old woollen blankets, then a smaller piece of calico, not necessarily in the middle and then were directed to "with pen and ink, on the fabric, Just Start - using the information gathered in the self portrait, but not looking at it." Before Forum, I had already decided that, if possible, I would use the week to catch the pleasure and fun I have had in the past year with my paintbox, sketchbook and bicycle - we had to include our face - so here it is - about 20 inches square, fabric, paint and stitch. Hermione's lemon tree appeared (when life hands you lemons, make lemonade), the spotty fabric represents journeys to me, and needing a bit of colour in the bottom left, the organic drawing pins represent life's vicissitudes.
After the exhibition, and enjoying seeing what all the other classes had done, I drove home to Canberra with my friend, Lynne, my bike in the back of her car.

10 comments:

Hashi said...

wonderful, wonderful.

Penny said...

Wonderful sketches, what an adventure but i am glad you didnt cycle home.Love what you did as i was so interested in what her Horsham class did as my friend Wendy was in it.
It has been an eventfuyl year, and I seem to be falling apart at the moment, although my year goes on for longer than yours.

Peceli and Wendy's Blog said...

Super, super, super. Will comment on the different posts later, but what a splendid lot of stories and pictures. Congratulations. Get it all together into a book sometime, or put some of it on a travel site - maybe Lonely Planet might be interested in the bike journey.
w.

Emma Pod said...

You have posted so many nice drawings and paintings since I last visited. Great work! Love all of the colors and ideas in this one!

caseytoussaint said...

This is very beautiful - and seems to capture a wonderful time. thanks forposting it.

Lin said...

My GRACIOUS Allison -- what an amazing year, venture and sketches!!! EAch of the pages you posted -- such excitement, strength, determination, and yet all with an eye to beauty and capturing the moment! BRAVA!!!! For the success of your journey AND the work that chronicles it so beautifully!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. A physical achievement that blows my mind. The watercolor sketches are so beautiful and some of the long vistas stunning. They capture the whole feel of the trip, and with the detailed descriptions of your days, it does make us feel that we were there with you-- but without the tired muscles. :)

Anonymous said...

Alison,
I am so impressed with this work - your commitment (and Julies) to finish the year, your solo bike ride to your workshop, and your lovely fabric wallhanging that resulted. I was searching for someone who drew bicycle wheels - and then found them on these entries. Could you tell me how you approach the mass of spokes to be drawn?

Julie Oakley said...

This is such a beautiful piece. I especially love the lemons.

Hashi said...

Julie, I have eaten cake made with those lemons!! Lucky me :-)