I am working on "The Boy" again.
You may remember that I started him early in the summer and then sort of abandoned him when I lost the "feeling". He was kind of a long shot anyway, as he was never a purposeful piece and came about as a result of a series of accidents, anyway.
I had been working on a piece for a show about Oseola McCarty for a call for entry - and I had a very clear idea about what it was I wanted to do.
But then the problems started. I pieced, quilted and painted THREE backgrounds (all 65" by 40") and never actually came up with one that worked for my original concept.
Then I made the first wing for the project, which was a thing of beauty, even if I do say so myself. But the problem was, it didn't work on any of the backgrounds I'd been working on - and the sands in my hourglass were running out after making three failed backgrounds.
I ended up writing to the curator of the show and letting her know that despite my promise, I would only have two, not three pieces for the show (called "Broad Changes" to be shown at The Human Thread Gallery in Chicago [where Walking While Black put in three appearances); so I put Ms. McCarty on a far back burner.
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As a strange aside, apparently, a number of artists that were requested to make pieces for the show had the same issue, and the original concept for the show was dumped.
The curator asked us to send the pieces anyway, and to have faith that she would find a venue for them. As she is director of a gallery, has curated several shows as well as been a juror on some other well-know fiber art shows, I though it was a safe bet to do so.
Sure enough, my two pieces, plus everyone else's pieces were all included in a show called "The Art of Justice" which was supposed to close in September, but was so popular it was held over, and held over again; and just closed this past weekend at The Artists Loft Gallery in Mount Rainer; AND it was just announced last Friday will now be going on a two- year North American tour.
But here's the kicker - the Ms. McCarty piece wouldn't have fit in with the theme, "The Art of Justice" so she wouldn't have been included. How's THAT for directions from the Muse?
Blah, blah - what was I talking about again? Oh yes, The Boy. :)
So, when the wing didn't work on the last background, (this gold one I'm using here) I saw, whole in my mind, the piece I wanted to make, AND I knew it's intent, so I gladly got to work.
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I made the wings, and got started on his face, which is where I ran into problems (Yikes!), but I was able to more-or-less fix it. He looks good now, but unfortunately, a few years older than I had originally intended...
But, as I worked on other elements (quilting his shirt, his pants, etc.) I slowly lost interest, for the reasons outlined here.
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But, everything happens for a reason, I think - as coming back to him now after nearly 4 months, I see him with new eyes - see ways the piece can be improved. Subtle things, the kind of thing that might not get noticed - but it's made me kind of love him again.
Some of those subtleties shall be revealed on Friday.
Until then....!
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What a wonderful post Kit. Ms. McCarty is an incredible woman, and I'm so glad to have learned about her through you. I look forward to seeing the piece you do about her story! I also hope that she gets the opportunity to see it herself. I'm sure she'd love it!
ReplyDeleteI think I had heard of Oseola McCarty before, but glad to read about her and her generosity again. The article is old, so she must be gone by now?
ReplyDeletethings work out in the end as they do--and wherever you go, there you are :) Great news about the extension of that show--kudos!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see this back in progress and can't wait to see it finished. I just got back from IQF and was thrilled to finally get to see Hiraeth in person- it's really really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story about Miss McCarty:)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are bck working on the "boy". I really love this piece as well as the McCarthy piece. What a woman!! Like you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to Oseola McCarty, what a wonderful woman.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that time away from this piece has enabled you to see it with fresh eyes.
Great news about the show being extended.