Field Notes on Home, part 3
“You hear that sound? That’s the Red-winged Blackbird. You hear that, then you know spring is coming. Gives you hope on a dreary day like today, doesn’t it?” – a woman at Golden Gardens in Seattle, 2007
I know, a while back I said I was done with my birds, but I can’t stay away! My birds and I have a lot of history together and there are times when my birds are the only way to express what I want to say. The birds that I usually include in my paintings are Red-winged Blackbirds and have always been a symbol of promise for me. These are three more paintings that are now up in New Hampshire for the show “Grid” at artstream studio. The show opens December 6 for those of you in the Dover area.
process shot
This image is a process shot of the below piece, Where It Begins. Lately I have been doing a lot of stitching and sewing of either fabric or paper, or in this case, little twigs, and then adding them to my paintings. The title comes from a quote I ran across several years ago that is kind of like a mantra for me in terms of my parenting philosophy. “Home is where your story begins”. Yes, indeed.
Where It Begins
encaustic mixed media
6×6 inches
A few weeks before Halloween we went to a farm to get pumpkins and run through the ginormous corn maze. I picked up this corn tassle from the path because I thought it was beautiful. Corn has such rich meaning in so many cultures, especially from the region where my mother is from in Central America. Corn is a life line, the origins of the people, a symbol of fertility. The stories surrounding corn are really poignant actually, many having to do with female/mother energy and sacrificing bits of herself to feed her children.
Lifeline
encaustic mixed media, including corn tassle
6×6 inches
And lastly, this piece with an image of a bird that I have used often in my work. After I finished this one I told myself I was going to retire that image, but of course, a week later I made another painting with it. But this one, I am very happy with as I remember the contentment as I drew into the wax. Reminds me of when I used to work with clay and being in a ceramics studio. Stepping into a pottery studio always has an immediate effect of lifting my mood. The smell of the wet earth and the wonder at what people create with just their hands and a lump of clay creates a happy space for me. Always has.
Variations of a Song
encaustic mixed media
6×6 inches
Beautiful creations, they have such a lovely serene feel to them.
Thanks Kathryn, I felt serene while making them.
Thank you for this today, Bridgette.....such a timely Gift for me....
Be well,
Elizabeth~*
Thank you HIndsfeet! I hope you are well.
Small treasures!
yes, small! But I made 9 and they will make up a grid.
I've always thought birds were messengers from the spirit world -- and your work always speaks to my spirit - so don't chase those birds away -) These are lovely pieces.
A clay studio always makes me smile too.
I think of them as the same way Judy- as messengers. And in fact, a lot of my bird paintings from several years ago often had to do with dreams/visions. I don't think they will let me chase them away. :) Thanks for the encouragement
so beautiful!
Thank you eb!
I have to remark that your work is arresting and inspiring - I was introduced to it thanks to my wife Holly Suzanne (lifeinrelationtoart.wordpress.com) and we continually are moved and encouraged by the work that you do - thank you for sharing it here
Thank you to the both of you for visiting my blog for your words here. I really appreciate it.
I love your work just as much as the day I first saw it Bridgette. There is something so enthralling about the surfaces you create, your color palette and the symbols that you choose.
Thanks so much Seth! I really hope to see you again soon now that we're on the same coast.