Creating Coordinates Part 2

To continue the project…
Using the same group of colors/ densities I’ve created patterns that are more complex.
These are what I’ve come up with intermixed with the solids and the stripes from the first group

18 new patterns that (hope fully) I can use in conjunction with the first group of patterns
This is the fun part of the project, I get to use a bunch of different fold patterns and multiple colors on the same piece with these. I didn’t keep track just played around and hoped they would come out.
Not a bad selection I’m not quite settled on what they will be used for...
Possibly a typography project
Next step is to color correct the scans and save them at different resolutions so when I do have a design I can just grab and go.

Creating Coordinates - Part 1

I had a nice group of dyes mixed for another project but they are a bit too old to be predictable anymore so I really can't use them on fabric.

Waste not want not right? I am using them to create a set of coordinates for virtual piecework.

To do virtual piece work I dye rice paper using itajime folding methods then scan it in and manipulate it virtually. I suppose I could do this with any fabric or paper but since I want to market my work I would eventually run into problems with copyright... not my scene, I'd much rather use something I made myself.

The rice paper dyes just like fabric but I haven't figured out how to set it so it is unstable and therefore it has limits as to what it can be used for. However once it is virtual I no longer have to worry about that technical stuff. Very sweet!

In this case I am working with a large palette of colors

(9 colors in 2 densities, light and dark = 18 all together).

I've done design groups like this before, and it is easy to get carried away with making multicolored pieces (they are fun!) and then find them very difficult to use together. If I use the patterns with solids it doesn't get too visually crazy, so this time I'm starting with solids then I will make the multicolored ones.

I decided to create a stripe of each color using the 2 densities and then something more solid with all the whites blown out

To make the stripe:

I started with by pleating the paper, then folding it into thirds and clamped it.

Then I dyed it using this dipping pattern to create a stripe with a slightly more dynamic quality to it I was hoping that I would lose the white but as it turned out the clamps created enough resist that I did end up with some white after all

To create a more solid design:

I folded it up diagonally then dipped it 1/2 and 1/2 into the dark and light dyes. In this case I didn't use clamps so I wouldn't get any white.

Here are the results.

Next up multicolored patterns

Choice

Until one is committed,
there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
always ineffectiveness.

Concerning acts of initiative (and creativity)
there is one elementary truth
the ignorance of which kills countless ideas
and splendid plans:

That the moment one definitely commits oneself
then Providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never have occurred.

A whole stream of events issues from the decision
raising in ones favor all manner
of unforeseen incidents and meetings
and material assistance
which no man could have dreamt
would come his way.

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
Begin it now.

Goethe

I love that quote, I believe that quote... for others, for myself... mmm... not so much.

So choosing just one thing to pursue is a real act of faith on my part, not easy at all. Declaring a direction to the world is really hard to do. However it is time for me to quit dithering about and just pick something and do it.
The direction is chosen...

I will try to get some of my work licensed. Ive decided I'm going to stick to this goal for one year. (that is long enough to give it one hell of an effort) At the end of that time if it feels like a huge mistake I will pick something else.

I've been talking about licensing for an embarressingly long time without really doing much about it (in fact I'm pretty sure that I can hear the rolling of some of my friends eyes right now).

I'm not sure why this gives me the frights, I suspect that I am afraid I will choose"wrong" (like that is possible) and then there is the very real loss of having to put some things aside that in a perfect world (the one with 48 hour long days, no work and no distractions) I would be able to do.

I've got groups of designs finished as well as half done and reams of ideas that can be worked on and many thoughts on how to use shibori for this type of work so I will be continuing many of my experiments. I want to reduce the amount of time I spend on product, but as I will be keeping the ETSY store and doing a few select shows so I will have to do some. I think I can handle this as long as it doesn't consume me.

The pic above is of my studio wall, I got out all the sketches and notes as well as the half finished work that will be a part of my first design package and hung 'em up where I can see them. I've even started some new coordinating patterns on rice paper, but that is for another night, for now I think I will curl up with a book for the rest of the evening.