Splendour

two works side by side - I thought it may be helpful to see these two together.... Similar in scale, and yet, each has its own distinctive composition and story.... On the left is 'seeds of a dream' (I shared work-in-progress of this one yesterday). On the right is 'splendour'.

Both are elaborate, intricate - particulary 'splendour' which seemed to resonate its own energy as it grow from the central figure, as I stitched it. The use of pattern here is creating, I hope, a sense of depth and wonder.... I'm always exploring new shapes and patterns in my work, and each piece is worked rather like a puzzle. It's a bit like finding yourself in the middle of a dreamworld and attempting to draw a map.... I come up for air every so often. Get up from my chair, walk about and stretch my legs, take a few photographs of birds in the trees, make a cup of tea.... then I am back in there, finding my way.... It's not always an easy process and requires a great deal of focus. I am grateful to music for helping me along, though sometimes I have to work in silence, especially when I am feeling a little lost. Feeling lost in the middle of a piece is something I experience from time to time and then I know I need to take a break and come back to it with fresh eyes. It will always be a learning experience....

These two new will be in my shop tomorrow, Thursday. I may also add a couple of new paintings. There will be brooches also this week, this weekend most likely.