Friday, July 1, 2011

THE LACE READER

THE LACE READER

The Lace Reader 16”x20”

Every once in awhile I will read a book that stays with me long after I read the last page. The Lace Reader, by Brunonia Barry, was just such a book. I was so impressed with the women of Ipswich that I felt a need to tell their story through a collaged painting.


Here is an excerpt from the book:

“The Lace Reader must stare at the piece of lace until the pattern blurs and the face of the Seeker disappears completely behind the veil. When the eyes begin to fill with tears and the patience is long exhausted, there will appear a glimpse of something not quite seen. In this moment an image will begin to form.in the space between what is real and what is only imagined.”

close-up

“Each reader must choose a piece of lace. It is hers for life. It might be a pattern handed down through the generations or a piece chosen by the Reader for it’s beauty and familiarity. Many Readers prefer the handmade laces, particularly those of old Ipswich or the laces made today by the women of Yellow Dog Island.”

After a few false starts, it became clear to me which direction I wanted to take with the collage. I wanted her to be mysterious and to have the look of a seer, for surely these women of Ipswich are clairvoyant. Even though the story takes place in Salem, Massachusetts, a place steeped in witch lore, my woman looks like she might have emerged from Casablanca, Kashmir, Istanbul, Madagascar or Ethiopia.

In the garden

My regular readers will probably notice the change in palette I have used on this collage. Lately, I’ve been using oils for most of my paintings and collages but I was so impressed with the results of a few blogger friends out there who took Jane DesRosier’s class, that I wanted to give her subtle palette a try. I very much enjoyed the lessons. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in shaking up their own artwork a bit. I hesitated signing up for several weeks because I know that often times when you take a class, you tend to pick up the style of the teacher and I like my work to be clearly mine. Jane is generous in her teaching and encourages her students to give her method a go. I tried to put my own spin on Jane’s teachings and hope that future collages will reflect even more change and growth.

“There is lace in every living thing: the bare branches of winter, the patterns of clouds , the surface of water as it ripples in the breeze….Even a wild dog’s matted fur shows a lacy pattern if you look at it closely enough.”

Lace Reader can be purchased directly from me. Just e-mail me for details or through my ebay listing. Price: $325.00 Thank you so much.

I like the way she looks with an orange background.

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28 comments:

  1. Hi Cheryl, Well, this is simply marvellous. I think it's my favourite piece ever, and I was so interested to read you took Jane's class, she is such an inspirational lady. The book sounds really iinteresting, I will look out for it.x

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  2. Wow she is incredible- I love her far seeing eyes, and the way her lips seem parted in expectation.....really lovely work! I too am always on the lookout for a good book- so, I'll be keeping my eyes open!

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  3. Hello Cheryl! I was really looking forward for your July post :) Yes she complements well the orange background. I love her pointed nose, bright eyes and the hair and her headdress (for lack of term). She is indeed lovely my friend!

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  4. She is stunning … and I love the colors … *and* the story of the Lace Reader! Beautiful, all of it!

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  5. I loved that book too. If I were to interpret it into a painting, it would be very different from yours but that's one of the things I love about painting...the way we express ourselves from deep inside.

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  6. Love the Eastern feel of your beautiful painting. The book sounds wonderful as well. I'll have to give it a read!
    hugs Lynn

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  7. She looks wonderful. That was one of my favorite books and you have captured it well. Lovely work as always Cheryl.

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  8. This is absolutely beautiful! What an intense emotion it holds.

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  9. Hi Ceryl The Lace Reader is gorgeous, love the colors and how she look at you, the book sounds wonderful.
    Anni

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  10. Wow, she is so beautiful, what excellent work. The book sounds like one to read, for sure.

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  11. Once again, as an avid reader of your blogspot, all I can say is: WOW!! She is wonderful and she looks as though she is or just finished one of her lace readings. Hmm? I wonder are there any lace readers out there? Trish

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  12. Beautiful. See, this is why I can hardly wait to get there and learn from you. Your skill is admirable, your aesthetic is breathtaking.

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  13. Loving the Eastern feel of your beautiful painting. My great aunt was a lacemaker and all around her were the most beautiful bobbins, gorgeous tools in their own right. Have a great weekend, Annette x

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  14. She is sooo beautiful. I looks so serene and wise, absolutly awesome

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  15. Another beautiful painting Cheryl - I think you have captured the feeling of mystery and wisdom perfectly. I love the way you paint your faces!

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  16. She's beautiful, you really have cast that far away look in her eye.

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  17. Oh Cheryl..LOVE This Composition! It's Stunning! I Too Recently took Jane's Workshop And Have Really Enjoyed The Direction It's Taken My Work. So Much Texture! Thank You For Sharing Such A Beautiful Piece With Us. Hugs From The Peach State, Terri

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  18. Beautiful! Yes I like the orange background also.

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  19. She is so beautiful Cheryl and with so much story behind her features.

    I signed up for Jane's class just last week. All I've managed so far is the blind contour drawing, but planning a good session tonight. I'm taking 3 courses at the moment... well, keeps me busy!!

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  20. Oh she's just pure heaven!

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  21. This is such an interesting story to go with this stunning piece. Jane is so generous with her teachings, but you can still make your art your own. Your Ipswich lady is exquisite!

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  22. This is one of your best pieces ever! Love the muted palette and your use of brushwork is very refined. Nice work!

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  23. Wow - what an intriguing story. It made me want to go and find an antique bit of lace to drift into a dream! The color pallette of the deep oranges and soft lilac to purples work so well Cheryl - and I when I look into her eyes I see Northern Africa calling. I love the details on her 'peasant' blouse. Thanks for your inspiration.

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  24. You are such a talented artist and I enjoyed the story. Have to agree too she looks great on the orange wall.
    Happy 4th of July!

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  25. OMGosh. I shut down my computer and when I turned the internet on, I got the box back. Now I can leave a message here instead of via e-mail.

    Got so excited, I almost forgot that I was going to tell you I also liked how the painting looked against the orange wall. When I saw it in the before shot, what appears pinkish looked more orange on the wall. Maybe it was just the lighting, but I thought the background was cohesive.

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  26. She is so lovely, almost glowing!

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  27. Cheryl, another incredible work of art. Her eyes are soul-searching. WOW!!! I shall have to read this tome, for it sounds fascinating. Truly stated, that a bit of "lace" can be witnessed throughout as I have often marveled at natures delicate weaving's.

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  28. Fabulous Cheryl,you captured such feeling in her eyes again. I love the unique colors used,you share such magic.
    I love visiting you and your artful amazing creations. Wow !!
    Happy Creating,Big Hugs Laura. xoxx

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