I Love This Crusade
Michelle Ward offers up these fun challenges, that she calls Crusades, over on her Street Team Blog. Crusade #30, "Cat Got Your Tongue", called for participants to include written in words in their artwork. How could I resist? I almost always include writing in my paintings. In my paintings I include writing primarily for two reasons, first I love the graphic look of the written word, secondly it allows me to get emotionally involved in the painting. In my work, I almost always cover-over my writing so that it isn't really legible. Why, you might ask? I have two answers to this question too. First, I think the written word is so powerful, and distracting, that it instantly becomes the main thing that people focus on if they can clearly read it. At that point I fear that the artwork becomes secondary, and I don't want that to happen. I would prefer to have the audience become more personally engaged in the piece and read their own meaning into it rather than simply "taking my word for it". The second reason that I hide most of my writing is because it is often so personal, it would be like sharing my diary with the world. I wish I was that brave and willing to share, but I guess I'm a bit too shy for that.
So, here is an older piece, that I love. The script is a little more visible than it usually is. This piece was filled with emotion, and symbolism. I leave it to you to read into it what you will. p.s. prints of this painting are available through The Bentley Publishing Group.
Categories: Creativity
Tags: Crusade Michelle Ward Street Team
Jennifer, nice to meet you! I love how you incorporate writing in your work, and the way you've explained it. Very handsome. Thanks for sharing the process, and for joining our crusade!
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Thanks for the great suggestions. Your work is very inspirational.
Jennifer
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What a beautiful painting! I agree with you about the power and distraction of words. In my medieval manuscripts class, our prof. had us describe a book without opening it, because if we opened it to read we wouldn't notice anything else! I think the words are subtle enough in your painting to just provide an interesting background but not overpower the piece. Lovely!
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Thank you for your supportive comments.
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Love love love this piece! The words are not distracting at all, but quite an effective backdrop for the focal point. I love the bodice of the dress!!
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I love how you write the text and then cover it. Makes for a funky layer.
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This is a great way to really put a part of yourself and your emotions into a piece without your words becoming a blatant statement. Looks fantastic, too!
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Oh my, your painting is incredible. I'm in awe! I love the writing in the background, very gorgeous!
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beautiful painting and interesting to hear you thoughts on words
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What a great painting, and really interesting to hear you talk about your process. Thanks for sharing with us.
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Very nice illustration...I actually like how the words are pushed back into the piece. I like it a lot!
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I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for stopping by. It's been very exciting for me. Thank you all for your kind and supportive words.
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fantastico!!!
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