BLUEPRINT TEXTILE TRIPTYCH

"Blueprint Aqua, Blueprint Gold, Blueprint Red Triptych"  6" X 12" each (12" x 18" matted and framed)  Lori LaBerge  2018

What is it that attracts me to floor plans? I love the lines, the directions they take us in and the idea of exploring new spaces. Always one for what is hidden or around the corner, I find the variety of floor plans exciting. I look at the miniature plans I sketch and imagine what rooms would go where. Is it an open floor plan or one that allows for hiding out in small spaces such as libraries or dens?

It is not only the variation of layout in the works above but how color affects the works. The background of each piece is exactly the same, yet differing colors and values create a change in appearance from one to the other.

My favorite part of these types of works is that no matter how much planning goes into the design, the outcome is always a surprise.

A few other things happening in the studio:

Scrap wood in the workshop being used to create a sculptural architectural work. Decisions are being made as to paint choices. Lots of color!

Mock-up on studio table for 14" X 11" painted textile work.

TEXTILE "BLUEPRINT" AND A BIT OF FUN

"Blueprint"  14" X 11"  Lori LaBerge  2018

While continuing research and reading on architecture I began to think about planning considerations. How does our lifestyle fit a house plan? What barriers or non-barriers do we want between rooms? What kind of relationship to the outdoors do we want? Does where we live ( we have mudslides in the mountains, my daughter deals with earthquakes in California) entail stronger structural considerations? The list goes on and is allowing me to develop new ideas.

"Blueprint" is based on a "what's inside" idea. The print itself is front and center surrounded by exterior building shapes.

original blueprints

I came across the blueprints of our house while searching through boxes. There are such wonderful memories of the excitement surrounding the building process.

The above were ideas we planned out on the computer while working with our architect and builder. These will be used for future blueprint textile designs. 

I searched out my son's old Lego collection. Why not have some fun? An afternoon was spent sorting some of the blocks by color and shape, then placing them together as I went along. More ideas for future art came about from a fun, relaxing, playful afternoon.

Play with your art. Think like a child. Go leaf, rock or sea shell hunting then place them in unusual arrangements. Use methods that are not your norm. Try collage, pencil rubbings, crayons, wooden blocks, finger paints, felt shapes, etc. Anything goes!