This portrait I'm finishing reminds me how distinctive the language of tapestry weaving can be. Working at this large scale, 6 ends in an inch rather than 10, truly makes every pass of the weft yarns count. A weaver's "highs and lows" become critical and this time I'm not talking about our mood. Although that might enter into it after all.
If you have followed the design development of this piece you know it all started with a cookie platter in a Martha Stewart Christmas issue and moved on from there to what you see today. The core idea is still in place but changes happen many times along the way. I spent several days working on the eyes, weaving and unweaving many times over the course of a week. The eyebrows are done and I've moved on to finish the hair piece.
I hope she's not too sad, she's not meant to be, but expressions are tricky and subtle. We'll see what her attitude is when the warps are cut.
Love her expression, I should think weaving features is quite hard at that scale.
ReplyDeleteI find it is a must to slow down and make sure I have it "right" I remember the days when I never ripped out, just kept going ahead.....not so now, I am more than willing to give it time to percolate before I move on.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting character! Her expression is complex and lovely.
ReplyDeleteI always value your opinion Janette and I am trying to convey what is indeed a complex situation. Thanks for the feedback....
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