Current Exhibitions

Gift Shop | Starkweather Arts Center, Romeo, MI, Ongoing

29 March 2009

Artfest09 Gallery art

Long Fingers

FINALLY! I finished ONE of my pieces that I am submitting to the gallery: Long Fingers. I chose the title based on a story found while researching octopi info. It was called The woman and the Octopus



This is a 24-page altered playing card ATC book. I bound the pages (only the number 8 cards) using a single sheet sewing stitch I learned at Hollander's in Ann Arbor, MI. They created a workshop to teach this stitch technique that was developed by Keith Smith.

Spine detail:



I used every "trick in the book" including photocopy heat set and gel medium transefers, embossing powder, oil pastels, rubberstamping, stenciling and gel stencil embossing. I also incorporated some hand drawn octopi and one I created in Adobe Illustrator -- variations on a theme. Here are a few spread samples:





And all this eye candy is housed in a handy dandy custom travel box:)



The rest of my remaining days will be spent getting my second piece, a bead embellished crochet felted octopus named Octavia (or Olivia) finished and packaged. Only 4 days!!!

11 comments:

  1. Very, very nice...thanks for sharing! I hope I have a chance to see both of your items before they are sold (if you are selling them)!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is beautiful, Brenda! I can't wait to see it. I haven't made a gallery piece yet, but there are still hours left to make one today.... I made myself a jellyfish t-shirt instead. I'll wear it wednesday night! see you soon!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a wonderful little book. I love the binding.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your book is beautiful and I love the various techniques you have used! I can't wait to see it in the gallery . . .

    ReplyDelete
  5. that's a wonderful little book, Brenda! Can't wait to see it in person. Lorna

    ReplyDelete
  6. amazing book! i love all the details and the box that goes with it! thank you for sharing!
    nicole

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is so cool. Will be liiking for it in the gallery!!

    Great Job!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Beautiful work! Can't wait to see both pieces in person!
    ;D lulu

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous!!! Add me to the list of people that will be looking forward to seeing your work in the gallery-- *love* the use of the #8 cards, very clever indeed! Safe journeys and warmest wishes for an amazing Artfest '09!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is marvelous - and I loved your ArtFest trades, but totally missed connecting with you! Is there any way I might get a copy of the Octopus facts booklet and matching button? I've got buttons and ATC's left over from ArtFest to trade if you're game . . . sparky@eyesaflame.com
    Bridget Benton

    ReplyDelete
  11. Okay, can I talk to you? This thing is absolutely GORGEOUS. I LOVE it! What a great idea!

    I didn't mean to call it a thing, but it defies categorization.

    Love your pages in Ludwig's book, btw.

    ReplyDelete