This week I’ve been working out some ideas through experimentation.

I want to create some fabric collaged pieces with organic and nature-based shapes. I need more raw materials. More “stuff.” So, I began thinking of pods and how interesting they are.

I looked at some photos of actual pods. Got their shapes in my head, then put the photos away and drew some pod-like things (not intending to be realistic) in my sketchbook.

The concept of small shapes (the seeds) contained within an outer shape appeals to me. This could work as a relief print (carved print block) or as a stencil. I decided to create some stencils just to get the feel for the image.

I actually cut two shapes. On the left is the opening without detail. This will be the background. On the right is the one that will define the shape of the pod.

First, I printed backgrounds, repeating the shape 3 times. (I used a soft paintbrush for this, letting colors blend naturally within the shape. Not too wet or it will slosh under the edge of the stencil)

Once the backgrounds were dry, I rolled the second hit on with a foam roller and a darker color mix. I could see through the stencil edge to line up this hit with the already-printed background. But, I didn’t work too hard at perfect fit. I liked the way it looked for the darker hit and the background to be just a little “off” in fit.

I decided these are interesting enough to keep playing with. I added a geometric shape in the background.

Then a few more shapes and some linear outlining.

Finally I added some all-over spatter to kil the flatness.

I can see possibilities for incorporating these shapes into a larger work. Next: I will probably cut a few more – different – pod and pod-like shapes, and work on composing something interesting that uses them together.

. . . . .

For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating

Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi

bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

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