My larger work consists mainly of nude women. But within each is a collage of images and textures. WORDS, text, lettering and numbers are always within a layer or area of my work. I have drawers of book pages in many different languages.
Even when I moved to fabric for my artwork, I continued to find, collect and use fabrics with printed text. Although being able to read the text is not key, I want there to be that attempt. An interaction or even a conversation between me and the viewer. One of my older pieces even has shreds of actual journal pages and love letters as the background.
In addition to text, I see SPIRALS and Butterflies commonly make an appearance in my work. Both speak to me of movement, flight, dance and beauty. Looking at some of my smaller ATCs (not made for a specific theme) I tend to notice flames and flowers used as crowns and more butterfly wings. The cycle of life and death being ever present, perhaps.
I have noticed rulers making an appearance lately, and wondering if it is strictly related to sewing. (As sewing patterns also are often used as backgrounds) or if a deeper meaning of needing to “measure up” to something, or insecurities about my size, may be behind their inclusion in my work.
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I have done a number of pieces that are focused on eyeballs! Which is am sure is simply because I am a visual artist! (ha!) well, I am a visual learner too…
So I hope you have enjoyed my little trip through my personal imagery. If you notice a pattern that I have missed, please point it out! it is amazing what I learn about my own art from other people!