My New Mexico Magazine arrived this week, and it was the photo issue. Just the thing for this winter-weary Minnesotan's eyes. My favorite image was the one they selected for the cover, (although it didn't scan very well for some reason)...
Ship Rock Following a Storm, Bob Ayre
This photo shows everything I love about NM, minus the food, but that's okay -- I can imagine myself walking along with a basket of sopaipillas/green chiles/guacamole and being completely blissful.
That's the feeling I was thinking about when I decided to make this piece:
Don't Fence Me In (working title), Susan M. Hinckley, 2012, 7.25 x 9.75"
For some reason, this little creation fought me every step of the way! I felt like I'd just competed in a stitching rodeo of some kind by the time I finally put the backing on.
Hannah saw the finished product last night and said, "I love the pink cloud! She's in New Mexico!" I knew I raised her right -- a girl after my own heart.
My Kind of Town, Susan M. Hinckley, 2005
When I made my first cowboy piece years ago, I had many people comment that they wish it had been a cowgirl instead. Being my feminist self, I couldn't believe I didn't think of that! But I've wanted to remake it ever since, and now I finally have. She's not saying anything, but the tune she's whistling will be evident on the piece of 1944 sheet music that will be in the frame with her. It is, of course, "Don't Fence Me In", and I am eagerly awaiting its arrival in the mail. I hope it is in good condition, the paper is a good color, it looks right with the piece, etc. etc. etc. I have a feeling she's not done bucking yet -- fingers crossed!
Whew! One down, and so many more to finish before the big show!
Back to work, Susan....
Happy Tuesday Trails to You!
[You know, it just this moment occurs to me that I fully intended to give the horse in this piece spots....cover your ears, kiddies.... SHE'S GONNA SWEAR LIKE A COWBOY!]
Later, back at the ranch . . .
Later, back at the ranch . . .
Tuesday Ta Da . . . Part Two.
So we all know that creating things by hand is a messy and imperfect process -- emphasis on the process. If you want someone to remember the spots ALL the time, hire a machine, right? But I don't think I've ever had to remove the backing/mounting board from a piece in order to keep stitching on it. Good heavens. Chalk it up to one of those cases of looking at something for so long that you stop seeing it. That's the danger with really slow work. I had to start cleaning up my desk and unearth my original drawing, and THEN find the pile of spots I had cut out to play with (2 weeks ago) to remember my original intent. And I'm glad I did:
Aha . . . that's more like it.
What's the point of being friends if we can't share our mistakes and imperfections? Now:
Happy Tuesday (whatever's left of it) Trails to You! 2.0
ps. look what arrived in the mail:
mint condition.....yeehaw!!
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7 comments:
I'm glad you like that Shiprock photo. It makes that sad stump of a leftover volcano standing 'way out in the middle of the most brown desolate country that God made out of his leftovers--look pretty good. Yeah, NM still leaves a bad taste in my morning sick memory. >8P
Much praise for your spotted pony and his spunky rider. Glad you taught them who's boss after all that consarned kickin' and buckin' and commotion. Hope the sheet music and framing go into the chute with a lot less fussin'
Yes, yeeehaw on the sheet music!
I love this piece for so many reasons!!! I know all about looking at something for so long you don't see it anymore, lol...glad you added the spots!
nice...these are both really cool
Love your blog. LOVE that picture of Ship Rock. It puts a face on the Jim Chee mysteries by Tony Hillerman, one of my favorite authors. I wonder if Jim ever found a woman....
Anyway, you're very talented. I wanted to thank you, too, for visiting my blog.
I'm a big Tony Hillerman fan too! And yes, Chee did find a woman...keep reading.
Looks great Susan! So much fun.I like the choice of the guacamole green surround too. I saw someone on televison recently who smeared guacamole on their wall to match to the paint swatch colour cards. They were in love with that particular green for their kitchen.
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