Repetion, New Work and She Don’t Like Roses
Structures #95 ©2008 52"x 34"
New Artwork
Publicity images were due today for my solo show at the Lux Art Center, Fencing In or Keeping Out, so I’m very happy to show this piece, newly completed and photographed. I sent off my resume, artist statement (newly revised), bio and images so I can check yet another item off my todo list.
According to my spreadsheet I started this piece in 2007, although I don’t recall doing much more than select the fabrics. I did most of the design and construction work middle of January. When doing this type of work, the design/creative stuff, I either keep my studio silent or I listen to music. No books on tape because it slows me down and distracts me.
Repetition
I get a bit obsessive at times with the music and I’ll put my CD player (no ipod here – I live in the dark ages) on repeat and listen to the same album over and over again. Or the same song. For this piece I listened to She Don’t Like Roses by Christine Kane, on her Rain & Mud & Wild & Green album, over and over again while constructing the composition. I love this song.
Over and over again, for about 6 hours one day. Repetition – it’s soothing.
When I do this the artwork becomes permanently linked in my head to what I was listening to. This piece will always remind me of this song, and the book A Version of the Truth
Detail image of stitching:
Taxes!
Next up on my to do list are taxes. By end of this week I’ll have the packet in the mail to my account plus have budgets and spreadsheets for 2008 up to date and ready to go, for both business and personal. I actually like doing taxes and the financial stuff. I’m good with money and it’s fun to add up the numbers and see how the year went.
Posted by Lisa in: Abstract Contemporary Textile Art
Tagged: Christine Kane, lux art center, Music, Repetition, solo show, structures series
I just LOVE your work Lisa!
Robin
I understand that repetition in listening to music and working. I also love that “old” technology. I shall check into your musical link tomorrow. Right now I have Super Bowl noises in the background & I find that right distracting.
I was so glad to read your post today! I listen repetitively too sometimes, though I actually listen to audio books a lot (especially Harry Potter, which is a bit sad I admit). But I do play the same album for weeks on end while working. Occasionally just one song too! I have a painting called ‘Night Swimming’ because I only played that REM song non-stop for about 4 days while working on it. (and unfortunately it’s the only painting that’s ever been lost by a gallery). So you’re not alone.
That process must suit you because I can feel the pull of repetition in the pieces – you say meditative and that’s exactly how I feel looking at your artworks. That’s my response to them. (Can I say paintings? I feel like they’re paintings in textiles!)
And only now do I see fences here… I initially saw the structures as little links or bridges leading me from one area to another. Fences seems odd, like barricades; not what I first saw at all. Interesting…
Breathtaking!
Really wish I could go to our opening so I could see it in person!
I SO understand the repetitive music requirement! The one I am leaving behind now is The Way You Say Good Bye (also by Christine Kane–is she awesome or what?). Let it play. (Beautiful work you do, btw!)
Robin – thank you.
Kim – how funny – I forgot there was a super bowl yesterday.
Tina – so glad to hear other’s get stuck on songs like I do. I listened to Johnny Cash for over a year a while back. And yes – you can call them paintings – I’m starting to call them paintings myself – Abstract Textile Paintings is what my postcard says for my upcoming show. And yes – the fences are a barricade – but our internal barriers protect us enough that we are willing to reach out to others when we feel our vulnerable parts are protected – so they can also build bridges. I can’t ever image getting tired of this imagery – there is so much there to think about for me.
Thank Joanie!
Mackie – yes – she is amazing – incredible music and an incredible person. Her music is so honest and authentic. And thanks!
I have a stable of CDs that I listen to obsessively when I work – Johnny Cash was one for me last summer too, but don’t play him as much anymore.
I now have radio in my studio – but it’s on the blink and driving me crazy. I just might have to bring the ole iPod back outside.
I love Mark Rothko’s work too, but Helen Frankenthaler more.
Hello Beautiful Lisa,
It looks like you are ‘rockin & rollin’! Good for you!!!! I love your momentum…it is inspiring!
As an actress, ‘Artist Statement’ caught my eye. Can you tell me more about your ‘Artist Statement? How is that different from a bio? Is it similar to http://www.ChristineKane.com ‘Ideal Acting Profile’?
Sending you BIG TEXAS HUGZ!!!
Angela Gair
Love the colours Lisa. I have been listening obsessively to KD Lang signing Leonard Cohen’s Aleluia…I am told that it’s all OK as long as I don’t start signing.
Cynthia – did you see those HUGE Frankenthaler’s in the Color as Field show at DAM? Incredible! Wow.
Angela – thanks! An artist statement is more about why I am making what I make – not about me. It’s the inspiration behind my work.
Kit – I love KD Lang also – saw her in concert a few years back. Wonderful! You can sing with me – we probably have the same number of fans !
Hi Lisa,
I found your site through Christine. Man! I have not picked up any quilting in about 5 years, but I feel inspired to do so again after looking at your work….not that I have EVER been anywhere close to your league! What beautiful stitching!
I do the same thing with songs and craft projects. Or with other events in life. I used to roller skate every week when I was about 15-16 years old and I still can feel the skates on my feet every time I hear the Eagles! She Don’t Like Roses is one of my favorite Christine Kane songs. I feel like she was writing about me, although she didn’t know me when she wrote it.
I’ll be back to check in on your work. Thanks for inspiring me!
Pam
I feel like I’m kind of behind things; always reading your posts way after you’ve written them. But I had to comment because I’ve listened to the Garden State soundtrack in the studio for over a year now, almost exclusively, and was beginning to think I’m a nut! The repetition allows me to work without being distracted by the lyrics or music. Lately, I’ve been listening to Wayne Dyer’s CD’s on Intention… lots to ponder there… but also more distracting.
On another note, I like the fact that you describe your work as “textile paintings”. You said, “for this show”. Do you change your description, depending on your sense of your work at the time? I am really struggling to describe my work at the moment, and am searching for insight…