Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Coded:Decoded

Back in February I completed this mask as part of a submission for an exhibition. It forms part of a pair of wall hung pieces of work. The work was accepted so I knew I had to make the second piece of work to make up the pair.
 
 
But I was really stuck on what imagery to use on the second mask. Everything I thought of seemed too cliched and obvious - graveyards, war images, hospitals etc - somehow none of them worked, despite endless mock ups and painted versions.

 
With the deadline looming I decided that I just had to get on with it, so I spent yesterday at my sewing machine and this is what I have come up with. I'm hoping it looks bleak enough to convey what I'm trying to express.

 
It's not just my students who have crises of confidence!

 
But I think it provides enough of a contrast with the original "happy" mask... which I'm now going to rework as the stitching is much better on the "gloomy" mask.

 
I will reveal the completed work nearer the time but should you want to make a note of the date in your diary... this is where you can see it complete.

 
Coded:Decoded
unravelling the message
Prism at the Mall Galleries
27th - 31st May

18 comments:

  1. I think you nailed it in both cases!

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  2. what a complete contrast Gina. your stitching is just wonderful.

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  3. I love it Gina. The contrast really works and beautiful stitched from my perspective. I am looking forward to see it at Prism. xx

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  4. Somehow that one last leaf makes it much sadder than a completely bare tree! Going to have to try to get down to London end of May!

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  5. The Mall!! That is just outside my office - how very exciting.

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  6. Oh I love it Gina, the colours are beautiful!
    V xxx

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  7. Both masks are beautiful and while I think the happy one is uplifting and colourful, I find the gloomy one just as lovely.

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  8. I love them both!! Great contrasts :) :( Wendy x

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  9. Both pieces are so good and the contrast is so successful.

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  10. Wow -- they're both wonderful Gina!

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  11. Gina, your duo of masks contrast well, yet also complement each other. Like two sides of a coin.

    The embroidery is marvelous...you really have painted with threads. xo

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  12. They really are superb Gina and such a wonderful contrast.

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  13. Oh my goodness Gina - this is exquisite work. I especially love the sad mask and its colours and trees. Looks like a fascinating exhibition.

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  14. Now that is some very fine stitching, Gina. I'm definitely going to visit the exhibition x

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  15. It's in my diary. Look forward to seeing them. The stitching looks fine to me...are you sure you need to rework it?

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