I have a few works in progress at the moment.
Of course there's Big Red. I was going to go against my usual slow art policy and sprint this one through but I have come to my senses and am taking it slowly. Enjoying the process and the passage of time.
The following image is of my desk while I'm developing a new stitching technique.
My partner on seeing it for the first time:
"Is it meant to be that ugly?"
"It's meant to be uneven if that's what you mean. I call it combined gros-point" I replied
"Lada Dedic famous for inventing the ugliest of all stitches... the gross point" was his response
I've decided to name it 'Grouse Point' (Grouse is Aussie for great/terrific). I'll give the technique its own dedicated blog post when I've refined it a little.
This piece is currently at the framers and also deserves a post of its own. Some of the stitching was done in the Malaysian jungle while I was watched by monkeys... but there's so much more. Oh, and its gilt in 23 karat gold. Whaaaaa?
This is the subtle palette I've been playing with over the recent long weekend.
I’ve also been busy writing didactic panels for an exhibition of prisoner artwork and poetry which I’m coordinating for Liberation Prison Project. I'd call it curating but that's not really what I'm doing because I'll let any of our artists participate and show their work. The work will be exhibited at the University of Western Sydney in February. See here for more info.
It’s heart wrenching to edit our students stories and I’ve been reliving the time surrounding the execution of two of our U.S students/artists. The feeling of helplessness came flooding back... a time when no one wins.
Sometimes I think that maybe I'm not cut out for this work but there is a reward in helping people who are making an effort to change their habitual patterns, work on their minds and take responsibility for their actions... it’s rewarding work, I won't deny that it is also difficult.
At times my heart is so heavy it hurts so I’ve allowed myself time to procrastinate with moments as a maker and moments of music.
I sit and fumble at the piano my fingers tangled and my cello bow is broken (I’m sure my neighbours are grateful).
I will finish the final edit today then back to the studio to work on Big Red.
Let’s look out for each other.
Big love,
Lada
I think it fitting to finish with this work in progress by Luke, one of our prisoner students. His story is particularly moving and will be featured in one of the exhibition panels.
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