FAB Collage Backs

FAB Collage Backs

Steps to Extinction, Balance the Books, Gravity

I don't really "fuss" about the backs, but I do love the way they look.  The stitching lines are sketchy and not planned. As I said before, I am concentrating on the front and barely look at the back until I have finished. Then it is a surprise and a gift!  The bobbin thread isn't changed that often and is usually random or maybe chosen to match the value of the fabric I am stitching down on the front.  The thicknesses change depending on what decorative machine stitches I choose to use. The same goes with the hand stitching and beading. Of course the "structure" of the design is what you can see - almost like a ghost print - no - almost like a collagraph only showing the edges - how cool is that!  

Steps to Extinction - FAB Collage

Steps to Extinction

As I said before, my subconscious leaks out into these FAB Collages. I had just read a number of books about how the men in power had tricked the American Indians. Promises were made and broken, documents were drawn up, and the Indians signed their land away, not understanding what was about to happen to them.  Shame on us.

But - I digress.  A couple of things I'd like to point out on this piece.  The "swoopy" things on the steps is fabric that I discharged - which means took away the dye with a bleach type of solution.  The cloth was originally dyed raspberry but discharged to a gray green.  The red embellishment on the steps are red coral (I believe we should no longer use that material because of the coral beds are being stripped).  

One last innovation on this piece was the thread connection between the chevrons on above the Indian - just a light touch.

Gravity - FAB Collage

Gravity

I imagine Newton dropping an orange from the Eiffel Tower - Eureka (or was that when he discovered water displacement?).  My mind jumbles up the stories!  I love the way the tower's legs extend out into the design.  OK, I DO amuse myself with these FAB Collages.  The "ghosty" image on the right and left is a map printed on a very translucent silk gauze I managed to print it before it jammed my printer!

  

Lotus Islands - FAB Collage

Lotus Islands (sold)

I love the mystery in this FAB Collage. The background fabric contributes to these tremendously.  I purchase my hand-dyed fabrics from Helene Davis Hand-dyes in Paducah, KY.  She is a master!  

To be "efficient" I "gang" up my process and usually fuse two sheets of her fabric together for the base - a light and a dark. I'll make about 10 sandwiches at one time. Then when I have the "focal point" printed I will "shop" and see which side of the sandwich works for what image.  I do not feel that this is a waste of fabric on the back - the backs are actually wonderful in themselves and it fills up my eyes with wonderful color and makes me happy.  When I am happy, I can create more!  No "use up" the uglies for me! I want to encourage my muse as much as possible!

Balancing the Books - FAB Collage

Balancing the Books 

I made this FAB Collage  and sent it to my accountant.  I wasn't really thinking of taxes when I made it, but I think it was perfect for him!.  I don't usually combine paper with these, but somehow the Japanese Rice paper seemed to be perfect for the upper clouds on the left. After all, these little beauties will never be washed!   Once I am satisfied with the design I fuse all the fabric down. Then I stitch every piece of fabric down (I don't trust the fuse).  Then I embellish with decorative machine stitching, hand stitching, yarns, and beads. Not too much, just what the design calls for.

Fuji Moon - FAB Collage

Fuji Moon

I love my FAB collage series.  These little graphic beauties are so fun to make. But they don't start with fabric at all!  

I first make a paper collage in the size of an ATC (Artist Trading Card) - which is 3.5" x 2.5", the size of a business card.  If you look closely you can see the central image - the doorway with Mt. Fuji behind it.  I make a bunch of these - just enjoying myself with the play.  The paper images are detailed and stir some emotion within me.  

Once I have  a couple of these that  like, I re-size them so I can fit 4 on an 8.5" x 11" sheet.  I adhere white fabric to a very sticky Avery Label sheet and print the image on fabric.  Now I have a start.  I place each one on a hand dyed background and dive into my tub of fused fabrics.  

My subconscious has a ball and I am always surprised to find out what I am really thinking of. Of course the viewer is always invited to interpret the piece - that's part of the fun. YOU get to figure out what it means.

  

Anchor's A-Weigh

Anchor's A-Weigh

This piece uses another digital collage focal point.  I do love ships don't I!  

I like to extend the design lines of the focal point out into the rest of the collage - this time I did it with that magical "sea weed" fabric that has the twinkling line in it.  The fabric under the woman reading the book is painted fabric on canvas - which adds a different texture to the piece. Speaking of texture - I also couched a yarn down on the upper left - stair stepping down the little squares - to add interest to that corner.