Evolution, Origins and Shadows: The Journey of a Very Slow Cloth

26 May

So. This slow cloth which has taken so long–finally letting me know what it is. It began as an exercise. An assemblage of cloth scraps that I love. Scraps I had dyed in all different mediums–but had been boxed up since the move. And then because at the time I was using the machine a lot, the whole cloth experienced a free motion application of thread. And then more thread–hand stitched color defining shape. Pulling out content. Giving meaning too.

And even though the bottom 2/3 of the cloth had the appearance of otherworldly abodes–waters and oceans and primordial habitats–and even though the top 1/3 seemed to emerge into a more celestial realm, the story was still evolving. And it became clear, as so often happens, by stitch. Not good stitch especially, but stitch that was applied un-mindfully–and because there was so much of it, I simply had to cover it up. The scraps at hand took shape on their own..and became this being embracing spheres–of life–balanced– Balanced and grounded .  Grounded but still needing to respond to the moment.  Fine-tune as events change.  Move a bit one way or the other.  Perched and balanced with the ability to respond.

And still very connected to the origin from which it arose. The underbelly of consciousness. The deep. The abode of all creativity, energy, understanding and mystery.   The unknown.   There are two spirits wanting to emerge–down in the bottom left and right corner of the cloth.  I’m waiting for them to emerge–and then the cloth will be complete.

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17 Responses to “Evolution, Origins and Shadows: The Journey of a Very Slow Cloth”

  1. nanacathy2 May 26, 2015 at 11:24 am #

    I especially like the bottom half of the cloth. There is something of the elemental about it, watery and spiritual. Love it’s evolution.

    Like

    • Patricia May 27, 2015 at 8:02 am #

      there is so much in the bottom part, yes. it speaks to me or mystery, origin of life and power of spirit. still working a bit on the figure

      Like

  2. Mo Crow May 26, 2015 at 12:02 pm #

    Wow! Patricia, this has “the muchness” as the Mad Hatter said to Alice!

    Like

    • Patricia May 27, 2015 at 8:02 am #

      and it changes constantly. i’m still finding elements i didn’t realize were there.

      Like

  3. grace May 26, 2015 at 12:34 pm #

    it’s Incredible, Patricia….just incredible. it Wants to be seen close and then at a
    distance, i can’t imagine what it would be like to hold it….

    Like

    • Patricia May 27, 2015 at 8:04 am #

      i’ll tell you, it’s a hefty cloth. so funny how thread can add so much heft. and when it’s done i’ll do closeups for you. it’s getting close

      Like

  4. Marti May 26, 2015 at 12:49 pm #

    Primordial backdrop re the colors, the markings and I am just in awe, Patricia, of how your stitching around the markings brings such intense focus: Two thirds of the way down there is a a stunning emergence; an orb with projectiles surrounding it kind of like stegosaurus. In the center, a being moves to an upright position, arms raised and she is powerful and the projectiles are her protection points until she is fully upright and ready to embrace whatever comes her way, the unknown, destiny – can’t quite define this but is Spirit arising…

    Like

    • Patricia May 27, 2015 at 8:05 am #

      this is probably one-of-a-kind for me. don’t know if freemotion stitching via machine will happen again, but it sure creates some interesting spaces. i see the powerful one emerging–thanks for pointing that out to me. the unfolding of it all is so instructive

      Like

  5. Liz May 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm #

    I love the incredible degree of variation within this cloth … and yet it retains a sense of cohesiveness. I hope when it is complete that you will post a series of close up shots … there is much detail that I would love to explore further.

    Like

    • Patricia May 27, 2015 at 8:06 am #

      soon i’ll do that–a series of close up. watching weather in TX and holding you in my thoughts.

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      • Liz May 28, 2015 at 9:05 pm #

        Thank you for that …

        Like

  6. debbie.weaver May 27, 2015 at 2:14 pm #

    Beautiful elements in this cloth, love the patterning.

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    • Patricia May 29, 2015 at 12:57 pm #

      thank you Debbie. just got back from your blog–lovely weavings. just beautiful

      Like

  7. user107055 May 29, 2015 at 8:56 am #

    Balanced and grounded . Grounded but still needing to respond to the moment. Fine-tune as events change. Move a bit one way or the other. Perched and balanced with the ability to respond.
    …..you write these words about your work..and they are so resonant ..the cloth becomes personal..i can get lost in it….i have been back to look at it so many times…and really i should have said so..

    gentle day

    Like

    • Patricia May 29, 2015 at 12:59 pm #

      balanced and grounded. this morning i was so not there. but the cloth reminded me of how it can go.

      Like

  8. ravenandsparrow June 9, 2015 at 7:11 pm #

    I have been coming back and back, looking at this cloth without being able to articulate the feelings and associations it evokes. It is deep.

    Like

    • Patricia June 10, 2015 at 8:29 am #

      i’m having a time explaining it as well–at least without carrying on forever. working on finishing it up and refining to myself its meaning. thanks for being here.

      Like

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