DESIGN PROCESS FOR "BLUE COLLAR", ALBERS APP AND PLEIN AIR

The majority of this week was spent in the planning process of "Blue Collar".  The work will be inspired by a photo I took of our local quartz plant.  My first step was to narrow the photo down to the area I wanted to focus on.

 Storage silos at quartz plant.

The strength of these storage silos drew my attention.  Not only are they physically strong, but they represent the strength of the workers at the plant.

The piece developed slowly as I worked with both drawings and Photoshop.  I knew I wanted to include a pulley I picked up at an antique shop.  Here is the studio table:

  

Since this will be a mixed-media piece, I had to keep in account the size of the pulley in relation to the total work.  The hooked work will measure 16" X 20".  I also had to begin thoughts on how the pulley will be attached.  

  

Here is the piece drawn out on linen.  Though the pulley will not be hooked, I drew it on the design to allow for how the rest of the work would look with the pulley eventually in place.  

I sifted through colors, which were decided upon through testing various hues on Photoshop.  I wanted a variety of shades of blue for the blue collar theme.  I then added in some bright green for contrast and interest. 

   Sample page of  the fun designs you can work with on The Interaction of Color for ipad.

While on the subject of color,  The Interaction of Color by Josef Albers  is now available as an app for the ipad and includes interviews with artists, designers and others as well as the ability to switch out colors in the color plates with just the tap of a finger.  It was frustrating at first as it does take a while to figure out how to work all the features, but I find myself really liking it now.  It is amazing that we now have the technology to interact with a book.  You could also work with the actual book, rather than the app, and use construction paper for the exercises.

For the design I started with abstracted silos in the background, which the pulley will be placed against.  The design on the above left is o.k., but the pulley tends to disappear.  The design on the right uses a lighter background behind the pulley, making it stand out more.  

I had to allow for how the pulley will be attached.  A header, which will be a wood strip, was added to the top of the design and will extend behind a portion of the hooked work so screws can be attached.  The wooden header will be collaged with torn up time cards, to give a sense of factory life.  The chain will take some thought as I would like viewers to be able to turn the pulley.

There will be a decision as to using a 6 or 4-cut wool.  The 4-cut will give a smoother feel against the roughness of the pulley and allow for more abstracted detail.  I will see how this works when hooking begins.

"Red Autumn"  4X6  Lori LaBerge  plein air work 2013

The Plein Air Hooking Artists are hard at working creating pieces for the future website. Some of the artists already have two pieces done.  Membership is free and ongoing for those serious about contributing work to the site.  Please contact me at lorilaberge@gmail.com if interested in joining us. 

Enjoy the designs surrounding you, appreciate the work that went into them and have a great day.

NEW WORK IN ROAD SERIES, TOURING ARTIST STUDIOS AND GALLERIES

The third piece in the road series project was hooked this week.  I normally veer toward yellow-greens, but lately I have been trying to go outside of my normal color use so I chose a piece of wool I had dyed emerald and mint green.  To my surprise I found that Pantone, the authority on color, has made emerald green the color of the year for 2013.  Go here to see Pantone's page and slide show on the color emerald. 

"Time to Go"  14 X 14  Lori LaBerge  2013

"Time to Go"  depicts a main roadway in green and various routes in white.  The background represents u-turns with the thought of coming and going.  A washer was attached to represent a clock while the fishing sinker below represents a pendulum. It seems like it is always time to go somewhere, whether shopping, picking up kids, a long country ride, vacation or other destination.  I definitely see an influence from Josef Albers Homage to the Square series, which I love. 

Yesterday, it was time for me to go to the PAF Gallery and take down my exhibit. Three weeks goes by so fast, it seems I was just there setting it up and teaching a class. My journal activity this week was to check out some of Siler City's artists.

Johnny Glaze, a potter and metal worker with a studio at the Incubator, was at my opening and I really enjoyed discussing ideas with him.

Here are a few of Johnny's works.  I love the texture in the larger piece, it makes you want to touch it.  That small piece on the right is pretty much how I look when I have to get up early in the morning.  Love all the little characters he creates.

Here are some more pieces with great texture.  Look at all the shapes he incorporates into each piece.  Simply wonderful!

Karen Stack, who participated in my beginning rug hooking class, was in her studio working with leather.  You can see and purchase her products at her etsy shop.  

Here is a carved piece of leather on  Karen's worktable.  She showed me all the tools she works with to create her designs.

Karen's custom leather clothing and handbags.  These are absolutely beautiful! The leather has such a soft feel to it.

My next stop was across the street at Person to Person Gallery.  I met Roger when I used to have my studio in Siler City.  He is one of the most talented and creative artists I have met and has a wonderful sense of humor.

Roger created these works from instruments he had been given.  They are alive with personality, looking like they are ready for a good party.

This scene greets you to your left as you enter the gallery.  Great combinations and works that make you stop and look.  Though Roger does not consider himself a painter, I am drawn to quite a few of his paintings.  Love the way he combined the three canvases on the wall piece.  The big head flying the plane is priceless!

Yes, those are mannequin legs holding up that giraffe in his own special chair. Great!

These houses are Roger's current project.  Love the way they tilt creating a sense of whimsy.

As if one gallery is not enough to keep him busy, Roger's second gallery is kitty corner across the street from Person to Person.

At the Wingnut Gallery are more of Roger's paintings.  I have loved that rabbit since the first time I saw it.  I just really like all the colors in these works.  They make me happy!  I may need to save up some more money for my art addiction.

Meet "Rasta Man".  This is an amazing piece.  The animal skull, pipes for arms, and Roger even felted the dreads himself.  Just great use of various objects to create art.

Take some time to explore artists in your area, ask them about their process, savor the joy artists bring to others through their art and have a great day.