Synonyms for “perseverance” include carry on, keep on, keep at it, keep going,
keep trying; not take ‘no’ for an
answer; not accept compromise; endure,
last, continue, hang in there, tough it
out, and stick with it. These
descriptors apply to my health struggle for the past five months.
It has been very difficult during this period to create, not
that I didn’t want to, but I found my creative “juices” were gone. Having our
group challenge was just what I needed to keep me going. The theme “Aubergine”
enabled me to find this “special” color in places that I never expected … the
bruising and discoloration that result from medical interventions! This unconventional inspiration has brought me laughter, humor and my confidence to be able to
create again.
This piece titled, “PERSEVERANCE”, will remind me as a
testament to commitment, the blessings of friends and family - - - and toughing
it out!
The materials I used were cotton, felt, bamboo fibers, wool roving, silk threads and yarns. I layered cotton fabrics for the reversible appliqued circles. I placed the curved rows of circles onto aubergine felt. I embellished between the rows with the various fibers to create texture. Adding special yarns create movement and whimsy.
Reverse applique? - nice touch. Those jolly circles/dots remind me of musical notes dancing their way across the piece. Or the keyboard of a squeeze-box - another musical link.
ReplyDeleteA very personal and significant piece which is a credit to your perseverance. I winced at the thought of aubergine reminding you of the bruising from the treatment - hopefully in the past now.
Hilary
Great piece - I love the composition of the dots interspersed with the wavy lines. Also a very personal piece; a reminder of a very difficult time, though I'm sure you do not need a reminder. I am running (very slowly) in a sponsored race soon to raise money for cancer research and treatment - I shall be thinking of you, and many others, on my way round!
ReplyDeleteAdding the threads and yarns really gives this piece another dimension and circles always do it for me, maybe a sign of needing to always be in control of my life which you have shown you have no control over. Ditto what Hilary says about the colours reminding you of your bruising and the discolouration that comes with it. I always think of 'Smarties' when coloured dots are placed together and how as kids we used to have great delight in spilling out the box of sweets and sorting all the colours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special piece and a testament to your strength and that of your family and supporters. I'll never look at a bruise again in the same light, thank you for making me smile!
ReplyDeleteI like the hairyness combined with the crisp dots!
Did you do all the reverse appliqué by hand? An example of perseverance in itself, whether by hand or machine! The background fabric adds a special depth to the piece. May you emerge from this struggle with your creativity livelier than ever, Venetta.
ReplyDeletelove the colours and composition. And the texture. Are the reversible circles really two sided? Must have been hard to turn.
ReplyDeletePerhaps this needs to hang on the wall in the Chemotherapy room as a bit of humour and lightness.
A very vibrant piece with a real sense of playfulness. We are lucky to have art in our lives and to have these times to share! Love the textures too.
ReplyDeleteI really like this piece and your own persererence and positivity that shows throughout this piece. It is hard to become creative when life itself presses down on one. Thank you for this - it is so lively and everything you have said about it has a very special meaning, not only to you yourself but to all of us who are with you on your journey.
ReplyDeleteOh my, reverse appliqué! You are good! A delightful, happy piece!
ReplyDelete