Following the Inspiration: Part 7

Part 7: Ideas coming together/The Plan

So where does all of this process of saying what if and combining different ideas from different sources?

At this point several ideas are coming together and different things that I like are going to be included.  For anything that I wasn’t sure about I did some samples or trials (just another excuse to play).  So what have I ended up with so far?  I really like the Zentangles and am planning on using that as the basis of my BJP this year.  The graphic nature of the black and white would be a new direction for my BJP and combining that with stylized images would make it more “me.”  After making the original dragonfly zentangle I liked it so much that I decided to make a companion piece for it.

 I have decided to go with 12 tiles that join to make a larger piece.  I will be making the whole group as a zentangle in pen and ink and using beads and embroidery to add color and dimension.

Size: 5” square fabric blocks some of the edge blocks will probably have tangles that leave the outer edges.   The 12 blocks will join to form a total piece approximately 15” x 20” which I will probably mount on a canvas.

Techniques: This year I will be experimenting less with new techniques but will be mixing embroidery  and pen and ink work.  All the pen and ink will be black with the fabric being white.  The only color will come from embroidery.

I really like quotes and enjoy when I can bring quotes, lyrics or poems into my work; I really don’t do it often enough.  The big question would be what words to use.  I have been listening to a fair amount of music while working on the house and think that maybe one of the songs that I have been drawn to lately might have to come into play.

I have chosen my inspiration pieces; I will not be using every word.  Here are my choices:

Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day Lyrics
Songwriter: Chad Kroeger

My best friend gave me the best advice

He said each day's a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late

Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had, if today was your last day?
What if, what if, if today was your last day?



Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the price is always worth the fight
Every second counts 'cause there's no second try
So live like you're never living twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life



If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?



And would you call those friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories?

Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above

That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?

If today was your last day

Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?

You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes
'
Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life
Let nothing stand in your way
'Cause the hands of time are never on your side

If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?

Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?

And would you call those friends you never see?

Reminisce old memories?

Would you forgive your enemies?
And would you find that one you're dreaming of

Swear up and down to God above

That you'd finally fall in love if today was your last day?


The Road Not taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveller, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair, 

And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black. 

Oh, I kept the first for another day! 

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

 

I shall be telling this with a sigh
 
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
 
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
 
I took the one less traveled by, 

And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

If you wish to see all of the photos for all of the inspirations, trials, and the start of my BJP for 2010 you can go to my Web Gallery.  You can also see photos for the building and decorating of our house.  If you want to read about any of that you can visit my main blog.