Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Getting October Started

I have started October's block a little bit early since I am going to spend the weekend in Baltimore meeting Robin Atkins (our wonderful leader for the BJP). She is going to be teaching classes and giving a presentation about last years BJP for the Needlework Guild there. I get to be her teacher's assistant which should be a lot of fun. Heck just talking and playing show and tell should be a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to my trip.








Since I will be going up there on the 2nd of October I wanted to have my block painted and ready to go. My original plan was to do my Tree Spirit this month but since I am going to be away from home the next 2 weekends and then having Wayne come home and there are some challenges to doing my tree spirit the way I want to I thought that maybe I should pick a month where things would be a little less hectic (if I can find any). Then I had to figure out which of the other blocks might feel right at this point. I have not assigned any particular blocks to specific months.
I chose the Butterflies since I wanted to do 2 butterflies to represent Wayne and me. With his homecoming happening this month something that represented us seemed rather appropriate.

I liked the way that I did my block for September so repeated the process. The background of the block was painted onto the poplin with fluid acrylics and the butterflies were painted onto the medium weight interfacing.

I am not sure how much of the painted butterflies will end up showing since I will be beading them and probably adding some embroidery as well. I used some of my left over painted fusible web to add leaves to my background before collaging the butterflies on to the background.

I chose our favorite colors for our butterflies. My favorite color is purple and Wayne's is blue. Each butterfly has a bit of the other's color on it to show that we each have some of the other in us. Color is one area where you could get seriously bogged down in symbolism so I will include some of the meanings for each but not spend days or weeks trying to wade through all the available meanings of each color.

Dark blue carries the blue symbolism of importance, confidence, power, and authority. Darker shades of blue are associated with intelligence, stability, unity, and conservatism. Blue is the most common favorite color. Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable, loyal, faithful, and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it is restful and calming. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.








Purple embodies the balance of red stimulation and blue calm. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types. It can be uplifting and calming to the mind and nerves. It is also considered to encourage creativity. Often considered a feminine color since it is a favorite color largely among women.

Now onto the symbolism of butterflies, two butterflies represent marital happiness. The butterfly represents transformation and metamorphosis; very appropriate since we are both going through periods of personal growth and change.

Butterflies are considered a symbol of the soul. Since they shift shape they are connected to the faerie realm. They remind us that transformation is inevitable and that growth and change do not have to be traumatic. They encourage creativity and freedom and encourage us to get up and move, life is a dance.

Since the symbolism in this block is strongly about both Wayne and I the ivy that was climbing up the tree decided to grow when I wasn't looking and has climbed onto this block. Ivy speaks of attachment, eternal friendship, fidelity, and wedded love making it a perfect addition to this block. It is also another feminine symbol to add to a long list of symbols in this project that are feminine.

My Web Gallery- Includes photos of both of my BJP pages
Artistic Kreations and Passions- my website

10 comments:

a2susan said...

Lucky you that you get to be Robin's asst. Have a great time and let us know how everything goes.

Susan

heidibeads said...

What a wonderful start - I love the tree and the butterflies. Enjoy your time with Robin - lucky you! Have fun.

Marty S said...

What a lot of thought went into your design! Beading it should be a wonderful experience. Enjoy your class with Robin!
Marty S
Crackpot Beader

abeadlady said...

I like it already. Such powerful symbols for you and Wayne. I'm so glad he will be home with you soon.

Have a great time with Robin. Please give her my best.
Arline

Susan Elliott said...

Hi Angela,
I just stopped by your blog and noticed that your coming to Baltimore to be with US!! Just wanted to make the connection and let you know that we're looking forward to having you here. I just finished my very first beading journal piece for September and I loved it. I am the President of our Guild and the one who connected Robin with our Guild. I can't wait to meet both you and Robin and look forward to a great class. We'll see each other on Friday.
Susan Elliott

Timaree said...

Very nice page and thoughts so far. The meanings with blue make sense for most people to like as that would be what is necessary for community or society whereas the purple keeps society from getting boring. Will enjoy seeing what you do with the beadwork.

Have fun with Robin and Susan.

Robin said...

I just have to say that you take (and post) fabulous in-process pictures... but they pale in comparison to the real things... LUCKY ME... I got to see them this past week in Baltimore... and even more LUCKY ME, we got time to bead together and get to know each other... totally wonderful! I'll be posting about it soon. Love and hugs, Robin A.

Pursuing Art... said...

Your design and idea for this year is wonderful and so inspiring! Your painting is lovely and your turtle is just great! I know the butterflies will be just as beautiful!

How lucky to share time with Robin! I'm sure you will enjoy every moment!!!

I look forward to seeing each month!

~Lisa ;-)

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