Wednesday, April 4, 2012

projects past and improbable


I got tired of looking at the last image when I open the blog so I thought I'd post one of the old paintings that hasn't made an appearance in a while. It's called 'The World' and is one of the Sufi mandalas I did about ten years ago.


Meanwhile, this is the most recent of the quick sketches from a story that keeps sliding in and out of view and in a way it may be the perfect one to describe how I'm feeling about the project.. at sea. I'm no longer certain it will go much further unless it's strictly as a series of drawings and paintings that people would be able to draw their own conclusions about. So for the time being I think I'll leave it in the background while it makes up its mind about what it wants to be.

Lastly, here's another vimeo animation you may enjoy:


Wing from The Animation Workshop on Vimeo.

16 comments:

  1. Looking at your top picture, it reminds we of some of the Celtic art work on two calendars I have here. Celtic trends to be very circular and fluid.

    So, with your sketches, you are omens ad marem (all at sea)? Fear not! Your young miss seems an intrepid explorer. Where will she go next? Perhaps as far as the angels with one wing, in the video.

    Blessings and Bear hugs.

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    1. Celtic art is very fluid but I know from experience that drawing the knots can be very tiring.

      I'm glad you got to watch the video and like it. It's a bit strange but also strangely hopeful. As to where my own story will go, only time will tell but the character is in good form. Thanks.

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  2. Even if you take the visuals-only route, you simply must finish the story. It will be as a song, or going outside in the same location; everyone picks & chooses what they get out of it, this would be no different.

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    1. It may well just be pictures since I have no skill as a writer (I know what I like and I can't do it). Now I've decided that even the pictures don't necessarily have to be done in the same style and I feel a little better.

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  3. finally i am here as i haven't been online hardly at all in two weeks. i am excited to see your new work! and this sufi mandala is wonderful. I love the words-they are beautiful. as always, your painting is lovely-so soft...

    you are putting this story aside for awhile? i think, at least for me, that sometimes-SOMETIMES-that helps me get some idea of what in the world i was actually thinking!! ;) and other times, not so much. i love this little one rowing her heart out and so need to go read your posts about her that i have missed.

    being offline for awhile has done me good as i was so bogged down with it all. this "online life" is not my preferred way of being in the world,, no matter what world it may be. sigh...

    i love how that little dog is laying underneath the seat of the little boat...so sweet. you need a bella to help paddle!! but she would sink the boat alas... xoxo ... however wouldn't that be funny? ;)

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    1. I'm glad you made it over here but you can never arrive at a bad time or miss much either since I've been molasses slow for a while.

      Yes, I'll at least stop banging myself over the head about drawing and painting a huge (anything more than 4) number of pictures and just see what develops. I like the girl too and this rowboat one is promising - especially with the dog. I love dogs too. ♡

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  4. As always, your work is lovely, Susan - both the painting and the sketch. Your story will come together when it is ready, and so will the strong and brave little girl who will shine. Have fun, and oh, a happy Easter too! Now I'll go watch that video.

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    1. Thanks, Marja-Leena. There's no sense in pushing these things, is there?

      I hope you and your family enjoy a very Happy Easter.

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  5. I am intrigued by a visual only story - It could lead readers to different interpretations - instead of being lead by dialog the reader (or viewer) would have to bring their own understanding and become part of the creative process.
    The Ol'Buzzard

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    1. It's rare to run across a story told only in pictures (I'm not sure I ever have) so it's worth considering. I'm glad of your interest.

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  6. I love your mandalas. Happy Easter. :-)

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  7. Love the Mandala. The symmetry is excellent. I see the currents flowing non one direction, but the boat is crossways to these currents. Your own drawing is telling me that you are in the water, (the story), and that you are struggling to get the course you want to achieve. Makes total sense to me. I did draw my own conclusions then, didn't I?
    Silent movies were only pictures. Motion pictures, but none the less, just pictures. They told the story. Inflections in body language, facial expressions and sign language made bold statements. That Mandala is telling me something too. It is a good message.

    Peace

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    1. I'm glad you like the Mandala. Strangely enough, they were paintings I did when I found myself at another creative crossroad some years ago when I wanted to paint but didn't feel like drawing, so went somewhat formal. Yes, you're right that I'm paddling in stormy seas and hoping to find the right approach to this story if it's meant to be.
      Thanks, Spado.

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  8. The Mandala is stunning. The colors are so vibrant.

    Now about this story and the storyboarding. If you wanted to do an illustration only book, I think you could pull it off. Here's the reason why - the expressions on your characters' faces. Animals, people, it doesn't matter. You create so much story in the expressions. The details you scatter throughout your drawings are tiny gifts to the keen eye.

    Not that I mean to boss you (as if anyone could!), but I want to encourage you. Your talents should be shared and shared broadly. xoxo

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    1. I know you've seen it before but I appreciate your compliment. The original wasn't quite so vibrant but it's no longer around for me to try and get a better photograph.

      I also know you know all about the difficulty of storyboarding so you'll understand the process only too well. Since the idea won't go away I'm still struggling with the whole concept. The problem I'm having isn't so much the characters (thank you ♡) but the land/cityscapes. I'm not at all sure I have the required skill but I'll keep working on it. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
      xoxo

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