Isn't this fun? I shot a photo before placing the stencil over the background so you could see how I get the color underneath. I love working with the stencils I think because I am an old printmaker at heart. For me it's always thinking in terms of layers, plates of color underneath and then a unifying plate last of all. Of course you know this is me, my older sister and my mother in these paintings. I'm loving working with the family photos.
In looking at these pictures I am struck by how presentable we always look. My mother made us matching dresses and often she had one as well. We must have made a pretty picture marching along in our outfits.
My sister has been in fragile health for years. After we visited earlier this month she spent nearly 2 weeks in the hospital in her most recent crisis. I think about her all the time. Hi sissy.
I like the way the mother LOOMS in this one. What a responsibility mothers carry. So big and powerful when we were so little and inexperienced. My mother's early life was tragic (born in a mental institution to a mother who was a patient and a father who was her doctor) - she spent 11 years in an orphanage before she was taken home to a family. She had many sadnesses from her experiences that were never her fault and it was not easy for her or for us as her children. She passed away in 1992 so I suppose it is alright to talk about the family secrets now. She was beautiful, kind to all, cared for the sick and was so good to my friends that one of them recently told me that she had a nightmare and all she could think of to find safety was to go to my childhood home and take refuge in my mother's arms. That's a good legacy I think, to leave behind. Love you, mom.
Isn't this fun? I shot a photo before placing the stencil over the background so you could see how I get the color underneath. I love working with the stencils I think because I am an old printmaker at heart. For me it's always thinking in terms of layers, plates of color underneath and then a unifying plate last of all. Of course you know this is me, my older sister and my mother in these paintings. I'm loving working with the family photos.
In looking at these pictures I am struck by how presentable we always look. My mother made us matching dresses and often she had one as well. We must have made a pretty picture marching along in our outfits.
My sister has been in fragile health for years. After we visited earlier this month she spent nearly 2 weeks in the hospital in her most recent crisis. I think about her all the time. Hi sissy.
I like the way the mother LOOMS in this one. What a responsibility mothers carry. So big and powerful when we were so little and inexperienced. My mother's early life was tragic (born in a mental institution to a mother who was a patient and a father who was her doctor) - she spent 11 years in an orphanage before she was taken home to a family. She had many sadnesses from her experiences that were never her fault and it was not easy for her or for us as her children. She passed away in 1992 so I suppose it is alright to talk about the family secrets now. She was beautiful, kind to all, cared for the sick and was so good to my friends that one of them recently told me that she had a nightmare and all she could think of to find safety was to go to my childhood home and take refuge in my mother's arms. That's a good legacy I think, to leave behind. Love you, mom.
18 comments:
These stenciled, painted pieces are absolutely delightful. And those dresses you and your sister are wearing! My mom used to make mine as well, and she always made a matching dress for a doll. I was the envy of all my friends, but being the child I was, I secretly longed for a store-bought dress one day. Strange, how one remembers those things. I also enjoyed reading about your mom. What would we do without the strength and resolve of our mothers? Here's to you, your sis, and your mom!
Deb
Oh Judy you've done it again. Graced my eyes with your shockingly beautiful art and touched my heart with the story of your mother. Sigh. You are a wonder.
What an incredible catharsis you are creating here.
I have worked on so many feelings by using my family and my own images in what I make.
I'm not sure if you mentioned what medium you are using. Love the LOOMING mother.
Oh Judy, Such inspriation you give me tonight. I am in the middle of a painting using an old photograph of my grandmother. It is one of my favorites. I am at a stage where I could cut a stencil and try what you have done. Maybe I will. I enjoyed hearing about your family.
For Karen: I am using acrylic paint over tissue wrapping paper in the polka dotted one. I used the paint rather thinly so the beeswax can soak through it and adhere to the paper beneath.
Judy
I've been reading your blog for a bit now.
What a loving tribute to your sister and Mom. I love to layer at times and love the look of the stencils over the color. Thanks for the inspiration.
Lovely images Judy, your stencil work is gorgeous and what a beautiful mother you had, in all ways.
Ro
xo
These are so amazing, personal and full of meaning. Thanks for sharing them.
i love to see the art you are creating with stencils and using your family photos makes them very touching. the bottom one is my favorite - the looming mother and the expressions on you and your sister's face, it's powerful, just like the story you shared...
Oh Judy, I am absolutely floored at how wonderful your stencil pieces are!
Your mother was a wonderful woman and quite a survivor! The Looming Mom is a wonderul tribute to her! Thank you for sharing her story.
Judy, these are really wonderful. I love how you create your stencil work and your process. What a great homage to your family and childhood to incorperate them into your artwork! Your mother sounds like she was a very special woman. When I read "LOOMS," I didn't think of a distorted, massive image. Instead, I read "looms" as in the structure to weave. I thought, what a wonderful description! The mother acts as the base for the children to build upon and weave their experiences and memories. Imagine my surprise when I went back and re-read your post! I think it works either way. Anyway, Bravo!
that's a wonderful and sweet little (but big impact) on your dear momma. i am lovin' these stencils you're doing. glad you showed the under colors foundations. it's still such a treat for me to have found you!
Judy, What a beautiful touching story about your family tree. I believe that is what draws me to your blog more than anything~even though you are a great teacher~sharing each stage of your work with us! You are a special person~God Bless~
Wow, very powerful words about your mom, Judy. What an amazing life she had.
Love these paintings...and you KNOW I love the ones with the dog in it. The pink striped girls is just the best!!
I love these - so BEAUTIFUL! . . . and what a sweet legacy! Last night I had a nightmare about a large scorpion chasing me and since I know your roots are here in AZ - if I had read your post yesterday I could have interjected the refuge of your mother's comforting hug to change that from nightmare to dream!
wow - Judy - this is such a powerful batch of image and story - so touched by your sharing - and what power - what power is in this...
thank you so much -
xox - eb.
these are fabulous. love hearing about family stories. you and your sister are cute.
judy what an absolutely brilliant post. So glad to see when people use images of family to tell a story - I love it. Your mother sounds like a really gentle and caring soul, clearly she passed on the great legacy to you. Your stencils are brilliant andd I enjoyed reading how you processed the pieces too. Thankyou.
Post a Comment