Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Peace Rocks

Babs sent me some wax she had bought at an artist's estate sale. Isn't it delicious looking. It's petroleum based wax, not beeswax so I'll have to do some research on how to use it, but I love it. So earthy and raw looking.

She also included some tool which I've already used one or two of.

AND most special of all and such a surprise--this collage Babs made and matted. "Peace Rocks" is the name. I just love it. The colors, the textures, the way she put together these scraps and bits and made a whole. the way the inside shape of the mat parallels the cut out shape in the collage. The dual meaning of the title. My walls are downright vibrating with all the marvelous art I have received recently. Thanks Babs for thinking of me!!!! You're a gem.

Yes, I showed you this yesterday. But I was inspired to work on it again and I can hardly believe the difference. I was fooling around with some fake gold leaf as a border on another collage and on a whim applied some to the edges around this one. I completely covered over the wonderful iron oxide paint. But....to me anyway.....it's a totally new painting.

I edged it in black wax. Laying wax over the gold leaf dulls it down of course. But nevertheless I like this. It looks to me like an old tapestry or something.

Meanwhile I glued the shield onto it's background and am continuing to glaze both together now.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

More great photos. I like the cross.

Mim said...

I love the wax and the glazing. such depth. Sometimes I use wax and slop it all on and then heat it all off and burnish (over paint) - gives a lovely background.

very interesting stuff Suki, I look forward to seeing more

sukipoet said...

Thanks Britt-arnhild.

Mim didnt know you used wax. Interesting as i know no one else who does. I'd love to see some of your wax works.

Andrea and Kim said...

That Babs! Isn't she a most amazing woman? She not only has a kind word every single time she speaks to you, but she also is incredibly encouraging in so many ways...and sometimes in ways she doesn't even know herself!

And Suki! You do have a new painting! How wonderful your inspiration for this collage. I really liked it before, but you have come up with something very different and at the same time subtle and brilliant (just like the creator of the piece). I really like what you are doing there!

You always have some lovely things for me to consider and learn, Suki!

Thanks so much!

Andrea and Kim said...

And Suki, I also meant to say how much I like the shield being mounted that way...how did you find doing that? Would you use that technique again?

Sometimes I am so slow...

sukipoet said...

Hi Kim. Yes, Babs is a wonder! so generous and sweet. I just love the collage she sent me too. Re: the shield on canvas. I'm not quite done, I want to glaze more and tint the edges but think I'll like it in the end. I esp think I'll like the kimono done this way as with the shield i feel like there is a lot of sort of "blank" canvas showing whereas I think with the kimono there will be less canvas showing. Definitely it makes the shield less floppy and less likely to tear or disintegrate. Thanks for asking Kim.

human being said...

i'm literally in love with your wax works...
great experiments you do on each work...

Babs is such a fabulous friend sending this treasure to you...
you deserve it... since you are a generous friend, too.

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

wow.. your creating right and left here. Nice job. Love the gold leafing. I think everything is coming together wonderfully. am loving your wax creations.
Bab's is wonderful in sending all that to you. Your Studio is going to be wonderful with everything in there. :):)

sukipoet said...

Thanks human being. I do have fun with this wax. Now, to get more blank canvases.

Cris, I have been working, but just a teeny bit at a time. Still, some things are shaping up now and i"m glad else I feel like i'm getting nowhere. Namaste, Suki

~Babs said...

Suki,,,,I'm glad that wax has a new home with you, and know that you'll find a way to use it. It looked so inviting, but I knew I'd never use it.
I ADORE both shots of that collage just below the photo of the one I did. That dark edging really makes the work stand out,,,but I liked it before also.

I am so please that you liked what I made. I'd been saving that paper that I painted for something,,,and all of a sudden I knew it was meant for a collage for you!
(I'm smiling, thanks)

sukipoet said...

Oh thanks Babs. Re: collage. I've been working on it off and on for a long time. I always chuckle when i read someone has been working on something a long time: two weeks or something, as I putter for months sometimes. I love the peace collage and as I begin to clear my dad's books from the bookshelves I have more room to put my things up. The peace collage is there, waiting for a frame. It makes me feel...and remember...to be peaceful. Blessings, Suki

marianne said...

Surprises have found their way to you it seems:)
So nice!
The peace rocks are very beautiful!
I'm curious to see what you will do with the wax, if it works different than the beewax.
Love the thing you did with the goldleaf!

sukipoet said...

Thanks Marianne. I think the petroleum wax is used for carving things out of. I still have to check. Be well, Suki