Wednesday 26 October 2011

A Beginning

I'm starting to think about my MA... both the practice and the research... and I have decided to start from some of the work I was doing for my BA Fine Art module. I'm looking at holes, the missing parts of stories, revelation and concealment , lace and knitting. This has also meant I've returned to paper cutting and I picked up this charming little book by Rob Ryan.


On the back cover there is this illustration of a paper leaf and it got me thinking what if...


I did this with a real leaf.


Which was good fun although not quite as easy as cutting paper!


Given my love of words and text, I couldn't ignore the bits that I cut out...


I then tried cutting a lace pattern from another leaf


Again... it bit of fun.


I've no idea where any of this might lead at this stage but I don't mind because at least I've made a start and we all know that any long journey has to start with a single step.

And I've finished the first page in my sketchbook...

28 comments:

  1. Brilliant - as usual! I think you're onto something there. I'm wondering what will happen to the leaves as they dry out and curl up. Have you tried an autumn leaf?

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  2. Oh! The lace pattern leaf is exquisite! I love seeing your ideas come to life Gina.

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  3. Fab! I love holes too, and the missing parts, I'm always drawn to textiles with holes/concealment in them. Look forward to seeing where this goes, I too wonder what will happen to the leaf and the pattern as it dries...

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  4. I love the lace leaf and look forward to seeing how this all develops.

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  5. Oh how fabulous. A marvelous beginning. K x

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  6. Exciting leaves, you could be onto something here! Wonder if you've got Paper Cutting, by Laura Heyenga - if not, have a look, it's inspiring.

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  7. I expect you'll be rushing along to Cambridge Contemporary Art http://www.cambridgegallery.co.uk/ for the Rob Ryan and Angie Lewin exhibition that starts on Friday evening.

    I like concept of the design being the negative spaces and the solid material the parts in between... endless possibilities!

    Looking forward to the Pink Tea Party on Friday
    Celia
    x

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  8. these are beautiful. I did something similar many years ago with leaves but nothing as detailed as your beautiful leaf. would also work great as a stencil. wonder what effect it would have in natural dyeing of cloth...

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  9. It is wonderful to be with you at the start of your venture, you have chosen a great theme. Love what you have done to the leaf and look forward to where it leads you next.

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  10. Brilliant ideas; and yes,the leaves would make stunning stencils too. I can't imagine how you cut them out so beautifully!

    Your first page of your sketchbook is so perfect and so true.

    xx

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  11. coo, you are skilled at this Gina. it's so effective and you must have a bl***y sharp knife!

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  12. I love watching what you do, Gina. And papercutting.

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  13. You have such great ideas Gina - I'm sure this will take you along the right path and I love your cut designs. The leaves and page of text are wonderful.

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  14. i love seeing where your thoughts take you! xxxx

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  15. A great idea with lots of potential I think. The dolls below are fab! x Jo

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  16. Patience is a virtue which I don't have and you obviously do! Lovely idea for page of your book too.

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  17. I love the leaves Gina, you are clever!
    That would be a brilliant idea for gift tags, don't you think!
    Vivienne x

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  18. What a lovely idea. If you cover your leaves in wax after you have cut them it will keep them looking fresh I think.

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  19. I have that little book and it is absolutely beautiful isn't it? Looking forward to joining you on your journey (as an onlooker).

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  20. Fabulous! I love the cut leaf pattern. This is going to be an exciting journey. Have you seen the loo roll advert on the telly that invloves cut paper?

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  21. I love how your idea emerged. Those leaves are wonderful. Your MA sounds like it will be a fun adventure.

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  22. Gina, the raft of comments that precede mine say it all. What a great idea to try it on leaves. I like the first suggestion to let the leaves dry and see what effect you get. Now I'm getting a tad nervous about 'you know what'. The phrase 'follow that' is running through my mind.....

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  23. Enjoy your adventure - you are always moving on!

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  24. Your leaf and paper cutting is fabulous Gina! I love it! Lucy x

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  25. Ooh, I've just caught up with this. Don't want to repeat what the others have already said, but ... WOW

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  26. Papercutting is such fun! I have that book too - it's delightful!

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