Background on the backgrounds

I showed you a close up of one of my current works in progress and talked about the diapering in the background. Now I have some examples to show you where I got this idea from...

Abelard and Heloise from a C14th manuscript of the Roman de la Rose

Another version of the Abelard and Heloise image, which I can't authenticate.

The story of Abelard and Heloise is part of the inspiration for my paintings, although I didn't acknowledge that to myself at first. I have been fascinated by their story for a long time and I suppose that subconsciously it just wanted to be expressed. The more I read and learn about the letters that passed between these twelfth century lovers and their evolving philosophy, the more I want to include their ideas my work...

But for now I am just focusing on those beautiful backgrounds.

Patterned Backgrounds

I have been wrestling with this series of paintings for too long now.

Time they were done and shown.

The backgrounds in them are based on the beautiful diapered backdrops seen in medieval manuscripts. They are slow to paint, meditative and absorbing, I fondly hope that they will communicate the quiet hours spent colouring and patient days waiting for them to dry between layers. The layers are vital, they represent the years it has taken for me to reach this point with my own art.

Here is a taste of the first one,

Day one of the progress blogging.

The Wolf You Feed

It has been a long time since I posted.
I had to come to terms with the commitment running an informative blog. However this anecdote spurred me to action.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

That and words from another blog about how having to post progress everyday helps to build self discipline. It would be hugely embarrassing to have no progress at the end of the week.
This is a short week, and, riding on the buzz of the past long weekend. I am stepping up to creating a new body of work.
The wolf you feed.

New to blogging

I have so many wonderful friends.
Finally you get to see behind the Effigy.

Follow my travels and wonderings here.
Expect to find...
Art... whatever that is
Textiles
History
My wandering through the SCA in the 12th century
Rural family life
My living history friends
Pavlova Paradise (my Kitchen)
My struggling garden attempts
My general well-being

How to build a tent, chop wood, light a fire and feed yourself.