This is a book I made and bound representing patterns with the letters of the alphabet for inspiration... the pages were made from heavy watercolor paper of which the designs were cut ... with colored paper behind them to highlight the patterns...
I have always been fascinated with... letters... playing with calligraphy, colored inks, the origin of alphabets, the development of fonts... cutting my own original stencils.... books and the steps involved in the creation of a book... creating my own designs for a multitude of uses such as quilts, appliqué, embroidery, house design, clothing, painting, toys, woodcarving, ornamentation, etc... the list is endless as design and pattern are everywhere and they certainly keep the mind occupied...
This project brought several interests together for me... I'll start with A... B... C...
A for Ankh..... Egyptian symbol signifying life...
The Ankh's key-like shape also encouraged belief that it could unlock the gates of death...
.....today it has come to symbolize Peace and Truth..
B for Borders.... early printers often used them to frame their text pages.... among other uses...
A border portion I made of a Mock-up for a medieval design book cover.
C for Cable...represented twisted rope...
Cables are found in everything from quilt patterns... to woodcarving... to knitting, etc... they also make great borders...
Pattern and design are so adaptable.... from one method of use to another completely different... they are everywhere... to the limits of the imagination...
...I tried to keep these patterns simple so they could be easily adaptable and easily cut...
.......the ABC book of Patterns is approx. 6" x 7" x 1" thick... handbound...
... click for the DEF....
18 comments:
This is a beautiful book. I will look forward to seeing more pages from it soon.
So highly creative, bringing many elements together. The range of connections is limitless, and I so appreciate how you stimulate my mind and heart with these things. I just love that you DO it all, and that you SHARE it. To be talented is one thing. To branch out in the ways you do is breathtaking. I love being a little mouse on the path watching.
Cut-outs really are fascinating, seeing the negative layer reveal what lies beneath. Shape and pattern, invented by you, what a delight!
I agree with Ruth that it is so inspiring to be able to see you work. You have such a gift for doing whatever it is you are doing, well....the integrity of your work is dumbfounding! Come on, confess, there must be something you don't do well?!
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LOVE the book!!!! Thanks.
WOW! I can't wait, to see more. I love the cut-outs, reminds me of stain glass. I think your book is fabulous! I love A is for Ankh!
I'm with Sharon, is there one thing you can't do? For Pete's sake! lol
Somehow I am now thinking of woodcuts and lino prints; one great idea suggests others. Your book is very lovely and I have always loved ABC books. I look forward to seeing your other pages.
I couldn't be a banker...
I couldn't be a nurse...
I couldn't be the prime minister... That would be a curse!!!
I couldn't be about 5,000,000 other things... I just like making things!!!
Everything can be almost anything else...if we just twist or turn it this way and that...
thank you everybody for your most thoughtful generous comments.. you are all a delight!!!!
AND a poet! Somebody needs to tell John how lucky he is!!!!
Gwen- it is MAGNIFICENT!!
I love your medieval design! I am fascinated by patterns (Going back to Grade I and making patterns with each letter of the alphabet) and look forward to seeing more pages from your beautiful book.
Oh wow! what artistry and precision, I loved the designed letters, all their elements are there. It looks so fresh and new.
It makes me want to go now and create one for myself. Influential! Thank you for sharing your book.
You would have loved the exhibit I saw in Melbourne a couple of months ago. They had assembled a couple of dozen illuminated medieval manuscripts, the earliest dating from the 800s.
It was truly an awesom experience, seeing these books "in the flesh" as it were.
What a beautiful little book - WOW!
I'm Kellan - nice to meet you. See you soon.
Thank you Julie... You usually have a book on the go, don't you?
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Robyn, I am really in love with anything medieval... the designs and patterns you create are so intriguing and inspiring!
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Thanks Hillary, I hope you do make one... I can't wait to see more of your work; it is so detailed... and I love details!
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Jazz... I would have died to see a show like that... How lucky you were!!! Not forgetting to mention, what a great trip that must have been down-under!
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Thanks Kellan, nice to meet you too.
Gwen, these are fascinating and so beautiful!! It will be fun to see all of them.
sandy
Very beautiful, Gwen. I look forward to seeing more.
It is interesting how the Egyption symbol for life is so similar to the current symbol for female, from which life springs.
Wow! I love the way you put different colors of paper behind our beautiful cut-outs.
I am going to figure out a way to have my students make something like this. They will love doing the fine cutout work.
You are so inspirational.
Thanks Sandy, they were fun ...
Hey J.. You're right about the Ankh resembling the female symbol... very observant. It seems to have a wide range of symbolism ...truth, peace, immortality... and life-giving air and water... just good all the way around...
Don... Your students are so lucky to have an enthusiastic instructor... They will benefit so much from your positive encouragement...
This is a unique and gorgeous book. I really admire the breadth of your creativity and talent.
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