March 31, 2013

glass bridge

I have been teasing friends on my FB artist page with peeks at this piece for too long... I thought I was done - the piece didn't agree with me. It demanded more hand stitching. I obliged. Now I declare it finished and can move on to it's sibling and/or a myriad of other projects waiting in the wings...
layers of plastic and thread

I am back to serious recycling mode here. Plastic bags are such a scourge... I try to mostly use fabric bags and recycle the plastic ones properly according to town regulations. But I always worry that they are still just being thrown in the dump. So I am doing my teeny tiny little part of keeping the plastic out of the environment by using it as art material. 
who will recognize this bridge I wonder?
The plastic bags do present such interesting transparencies for layers of colors and shadows that I am thoroughly enjoying playing with them. And by adding some free-motion machine stitching, followed by hand embroidery - well... what more can I ask for?? This is right up my alley of artful enjoyment!
Glass Bridge 12"x12" ©Natalya Aikens

 

9 comments:

Gerrie said...

I love how this looks with the colors of the plastic bags. You can hardly find a plastic bag in Portland. Most srores have bring your own or pay for paper. The bags used to drive me nuts.

Vivien Zepf said...

Gotta say it -- the piece was right. It did need more stitching and now it's absolutely perfect! Love it!

Robin said...

Very cool Natalya! I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!!! The stitching is such a lovely, lacy compliment to the bold shapes underneath.

Christie describeHappy said...

That's stunning! I adore the textures you created and the careful attention to detail. Delightful!

Kristin L said...

I love the layers and the lines. Those super long stitches are fantastic.

Norma Schlager said...

After seeing this in person last night, I am in awe. Hard to believe it is made of plastic bags, but as usual your beautiful stitching, hand and machine, bring it to life. I love it!

Abigail Doan said...

Your work is amazing. So pleased to have learned about your process. Best wishes ~ Abigail

artful embellishments said...

This is so beautiful. I love your blog it is so inspiring! Thanks for always putting together the most unique posts! Michelle

Terry Grant said...

You have used the plastic bags, very pedestrian materials, to make something so luminous and lovely! Brilliant.