Sunday 18 August 2013

Some things don't change

This was taken by my Dad in July / August 1972 on holiday in Looe in Cornwall.  Its me, my brother and my baby brother who was 6 weeks old. Apparently my Mum had been to the hairdressers hence the very beautiful coiffured hair.

The base canvas had stone and cream acrylic paint added to it and some old Frayed Burlap crackle paint on top.  (I was clearing out old paint and couldn't quite get rid of the neutrals). I also added some ripped bits of Tim Holtz tissue paper stuck down with Gel Medium and some Tinned Peas green added in places. 

The fabric layer was made up of an oblong of cotton that had some Fresco stencilling in green dots and lot of layers of silk strips, merino wool, stitching in different variegated threads to make the vertical stripes. I then sliced it up (big deep breath to do this but it was worth it) and stitched it back together.  the horizontal stripes of fabric and lace where added to give loads of texture.  This was then sewn onto a base layer of felt to give some strength to the fabric and just raise it up a bit from the canvas.

The photo was photocopied and then transferred onto water colour paper using PaperArtsy Satin Glaze.  I also sealed it with Gloss Glaze after I'd sanded it a bit to distress (hence my rubbed out brother bottom right!). Edges roughed up and Vintage Photo Distress Ink added.  This was attached to some kraft card that had strips of ripped Crunchy Waxed Paper sewn on and more stitched added everywhere!

I have always loved this picture, I don't remember it being taken (hence the into a memory stamp from Sara Naumann Eclectica 6) but it looks so serene and you can feel the love from my Mother looking into the lens and the love my Father has because my Mother is completely in focus whilst us children are slightly out of focus.

I look at this picture and so many thoughts and questions come into my head of my family, of me, where I came from and where I am.

But one thing I do know is that I still smile like this and I still stand like this with my head to one side, some things don't change no matter how old we get.

hugs
jo
xx

9 comments:

  1. Oooh fabulous Jo, the fabrics look great

    Sam xxx

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  2. Oh Jo what a lovely post, and a beautiful picture too. Your fabric piece has come out lovely something to treasure!!

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  3. Jo, that is so very, very beautiful. Everything fits together perfectly. Definitely a piece to treasure.

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  4. Jo, this is absolutely staggeringly beautiful, and I love the story behind the photo. You were so brave to cut up your fabric, but I love how it's turned out. I hope you hang it proudly on your wall.

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  5. Oh my Jo, this is stunning! You are very like your Mum! Thank you for sharing the personal stuff behind the lovely photo and your beautiful piece is the perfect setting for it.

    Hugs
    Lesley Xx

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  6. What an absolutely gorgeous piece ,really gorgeous x hugs trace x.

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  7. this is a beautiful meaningful piece, have you noticed your hair still falls in the same way? EE

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