I am just embarking on a new piece of work for a self portrait exhibition. For this I want to explore the symbolism and meanings of colour in order that the colours and proportions of colour in the portrait are a fit for me.
I found it hard to think of myself in colour in a dispassionate manner. I am also trying to avoid just choosing colour groups which I enjoy using in my work or dress in etc.
What are my real colours?
So last week in my Taking Textiles Further Class, we spent a few minutes on the challenge of thinking about the other class members and what colour their 'aura' would be. Avoiding symbolic colours, the colours of their clothes, the colours which were being used in the pieces we are also making. Everyone made their own choices without reference to anyone else.
I have just blocked out the colours in a strip for each one of us.
When we meet this week I will lay out the colour charts and see if we can recognise each other in this form.
Who is who? or what personality would you ascribe to the colour strips below? I would be interested to know.
I know that this is only a very quick starting point and that we are all very complex, colours have different associations depending on many factors, including how we perceive them, let alone our culture, upbringing, etc. And we will be discussing some of these ideas and moving through a couple of other exercises to develop a deeper idea of our personal colours when we next get together.
A really interesting start and I am also ready to consider further my scheme for the portrait.
More to follow on this.

Why 'burnt offerings'? Mostly because it seems to be a general trend - from bunsen burners back in my science days, to soldering irons, heat guns and plumbing torches which seem to be very useful tools in my fine art textiles now, or perhaps just because most of my cooking seems to be that way inclined! Find offerings about art, textiles, running a gallery and walking the dogs ...
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Monday, 16 March 2015
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Textile Treasures for Living Threads, Tongan Kapesi and tapa cloth
I have been making a few new works recently which are for the Living Threads Exhibition. They have now safely arrived in the UK and will be on display from the 8th to 17th April.
I don't want to spoil your visit, so thought that I would just show a few detailed shots. The exhibition is called Textile Treasures, which is the usual all encompassing title. I am a little afraid that this might lead to a more 'blingy' selection than usual, we shall have to see. Anyway, it is always a really well organised and busy exhibition with the main works, the shop for smaller purchases, the dayschool display, the demonstrations by members, and a cafe of course. Sorry I won't be there.
My 'treasures' were pieces of fabric shibori dyed in indigo and permanganate (I think) about a million years ago, which have been too precious to use. Now is the time - no good them sitting any longer!
Yesterday was the annual 'Pasifika' Festival in Auckland. Celebrating the singing, dancing, food and crafts of the peoples from the many Pacific Islands. It is always a fun trip out, and though this year we only had a couple of hours, I managed to buy exactly what I wanted - that was more tapa cloth, and also found a beautiful old 'kapesi', the rubbing block used to transfer the pattern onto the cloth ready for painting. I was about to buy a newly made, still lovely, kapesi when I spotted this old one, did a swap on the spot. I am one happy textiler!
Most of my time recently seems to have been involving paperwork, deadlines for project applications and funding, and accounts (blah). Ready now for an attempt on a self-portrait - don't hold your breath though.
I don't want to spoil your visit, so thought that I would just show a few detailed shots. The exhibition is called Textile Treasures, which is the usual all encompassing title. I am a little afraid that this might lead to a more 'blingy' selection than usual, we shall have to see. Anyway, it is always a really well organised and busy exhibition with the main works, the shop for smaller purchases, the dayschool display, the demonstrations by members, and a cafe of course. Sorry I won't be there.
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Alysn Midgelow-Marsden: Textile Treasures |
Yesterday was the annual 'Pasifika' Festival in Auckland. Celebrating the singing, dancing, food and crafts of the peoples from the many Pacific Islands. It is always a fun trip out, and though this year we only had a couple of hours, I managed to buy exactly what I wanted - that was more tapa cloth, and also found a beautiful old 'kapesi', the rubbing block used to transfer the pattern onto the cloth ready for painting. I was about to buy a newly made, still lovely, kapesi when I spotted this old one, did a swap on the spot. I am one happy textiler!
Yum - Pacifika buys! |
Large Kapesi, about A3 size, on coconut leaf backing |
Kapesi front, detail |
Stitching on the back is 'awesome' too. |
Most of my time recently seems to have been involving paperwork, deadlines for project applications and funding, and accounts (blah). Ready now for an attempt on a self-portrait - don't hold your breath though.
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