When I received feedback from my artworks last term, my tutor mentioned that I could improve upon the 'cut and paste' effect that was evident in my recent work. I decided to research technical methods to improve on this. I consulted Donna Martins artworks and teachings and realized it this effect had occured because I had used acrylic inks, rather than acrylic paints to hide the edges of the transfers. The inks are delightful to work with but not so viscous as the paints, so they soak into the substrate. The acrylic paints however, are thicker and sit on the surface, obscuring whatever is beneath them.
example of 'cut and paste' effect
Circles of wood with gesso on top, then transfered images and modelling paste
Above, you can see some of the circles drying in my drawer. They have all had the same transfer of Castlerigg stone circle applied, and the same stencils too. At this stage, if I applied acrylic inks to the circles, the edges of the transfers would be obvious, in fact the process would highlight them (just like it did in the past).
A close up of the beautiful ivy, rose and honeycomb stencils which add texture, depth and symbolism to these circles.
In the picture above, I have gessoed over the stencils to protect them and then started adding acrylic paint. I repeated this process to build up layers of colour.
The overall effect at this stage was the paint blending into grey. It is lovely but I wanted their to be more contrast, to reference the contrasting aspects of women and goddesses, so I added more colour. I was keen to incorporate white, black and gray to hint at the three stages of a woman's life; maiden, mother and crone (as they are called in Paganism). I also painted over the actual stones, to make them more distinct to emphasise their importance, as they are the focal point in the composition. They represent women and goddesses, each different, each perfect in their own way. Women gathered together to celebrate the Goddess and her life giving energy. They also reference the myths and stories told aroud Britain of women being turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath - this references the Christian and Patriachal supression of women and womens religion.
I am much happier with these circles, I have added more black and will add more white - but the main problem has been solved - the 'cut and paste' issue is no longer evident.
Hoorah!
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