In the studio, I have been making some new earthy talismans, to premier at the Talismans exhibit in ten short days. It’s been a wild ride to get the original work completed, photographed, documented, shared, I could go on and on about the crazy art business. This first collage, Talisman for Earth, is one that you saw the beginning watercolor of in the previous post. After creating Talisman for Air, which I will talk about in a few weeks, I decided that each of the elements could use a talisman, power for the earth, air, water, fire. This one has pieces from a watercolor of Colorado mountains I painted 30 + years ago, and some favorite scraps of paste paper.
“Talisman for the Earth”, MM Collage by Kathleen O’Brien, 20 x 20″
“Talisman for the Earth”, MM Collage, detail, by Kathleen O’Brien
The talisman here is an homage to wood, leaves, trees. I don’t know the kind of leaves I collaged onto the driftwood on both side. It is very textured and furry. How would you interpret the script superimposed on it? And the background scripts, for that matter? They mean something to you. What is your story? One can write anything one wants.
This subject, of interpreting the scripts, has got me thinking lately, after Stan Brunn asked me if I would like to write a chapter, “the language of art”, for his upcoming megabook project “THE CHANGING WORLD LANGUAGE MAP”. That’s my next project. Meanwhile:
“Talisman for Eire”, bead necklace, 37′, by Kathleen O’Brien
This Talisman for Eire was so fun to make. It can be worn as a single long necklace or a double shorter one. I still need to create the bead ID tag for it, that will hang next to the necklace on display.
A little secret: if you buy it in time for ST. Patrick’s day, Erin go bragh, I will tell the gallery to let you take it to wear, if you wear it for the reception, March 20! deal!
“Talisman for Flower Gardeners”, bead necklace by Kathleen O’Brien
This Talisman for Flower Gardeners, is positively magical. I might have to keep it for myself. It started as an inspiration after finding this tiny brass stem holder.
“Talisman for Flower Gardeners”, bead necklace, detail of flower holder, by Kathleen O’Brien
re” A little secret: if you buy it in time for ST. Patrick’s day, Erin go bragh, I will tell the gallery to let you take it to wear, if you wear it for the reception, March 20! deal!”
What a GREAT deal 🙂 Love it. INstant adoration over the colours in it as well. Gorgeous greens. So cheery plus…my fave colour.
This entire post is a site for winter sore eyes.
Col, yep, I think it is a great deal. For one thing, I can never find anything Kelly green to wear. The greens here sparkle. thank you so much for your compliments.
Love these spring colors Kathleen. Your art gives me hope.