Monday, January 30, 2012

Metamorphosis


In general I like what I create as I thoroughly enjoy the process of making. I am always curious to how a sculpture, a drawing, weaving, a book will turn out.
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by what I am presented with.

"Metamorphosis"
© Corina Duyn '12
When the building of my studio became a reality, I had to make some changes in my garden to accommodate the entrance to the studio. One of the plants I had to remove was a Buddleia shrub- a Butterfly Bush. 
The root that was exposed was so beautiful that I hid it in my greenhouse out of fear it might be thrown out during a clean up of my garden. The root reached out a great distance.

A few weeks ago I used it as a base for a sculpture. I "attached" the root to piece of bark I found in my studio (obviously saved from being burned in the stove, but had forgotten about it!) 

About two weeks ago I attended an introduction workshop about Art Therapy, with the idea that this would be the first step towards finally fulfilling my dream to become an Art Therapist- a route I had chosen just before becoming ill over 13 years ago. The session was very interesting but it took more energy than I had, I had been standing too long and was in severe pain for days afterwards. I also realised that I had more healing to do of my own...
My dream squashed, but it also brought clarity, I know what I need to do.

The following morning I was feeling pretty awful, but as I thought about the communication with a friend about using our creative energy for our own healing, I decided to go into the studio. The piece that 'screamed' for my attention was the root sculpture.
I had great difficulty getting the face to work, to reveal itself to me out of the clay. My co-ordination was compromised. But I persevered... Suddenly she was there.

Detail "Metamorphosis"
© Corina Duyn '12
That afternoon and over the next few days I worked on her skirt, hair and shirt and hands. I had dyed (in tea) some rope which I had split into single 'threads' to use as a skirt. The shirt is lace which I glued on with the fabric hardener. The hair is a clump of moss I had found on a wall a few days ago. It had fallen of an old roof in a perfect bubble.

Lying on the couch, this sculpture in the making, standing on the mantle piece to dry, I was overwhelmed but it. I stared at it for ages, in silence. Sometimes my work really gets me, this one did. 

I considered if I would paint her eyes, but I decided that she should be able to look out into the world.

She is rooted and grounded. She metamorphosed from being in safe grounds into it's own little person. "Solid, but light and free", as a friend commented. "With roots like that she can grow."
The fact that the root was from a "Butterfly Bush" makes it all the more poignant... to me anyway!

I am honoured to have made her acquaintance.

ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...? Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Friday, January 27, 2012

Aer Arann... again

Further to my post about winning the Equality Tribunal Case against Aer Arann, it came to my attention that they did not review their Ground Operation Manual as ordered by the Tribunal back in June 2011.
  • The Tribunal ordered that Aer Arann “conduct a review of its policies and procedures ( to include their terms and conditions of carriage and their Ground Operations Manual) to ensure that they are in compliance with [ the Equal Status Acts 2000 – 2008].

By not following up on the findings, Aer Arann tries to make a mockery out of the Tribunal's findings.
As it stands, I could end up with the exact same problem if I ever were to travel with Aer Arann again...

It looks like I'm not done with them yet. 
My great solicitor has written to their solicitors and the Equality Tribunal.

Annoyed. 
But fighting fit!



ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...? Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Magic Happens

A few weeks ago, I introduced you to "Little Leek" an Artist Doll inspired by, and is sitting on, a Leek Flower Head from my garden.

While the leeks were growing in my garden, turning into pure magic, I took many, many photographs. The love for my garden, my love for nature, my interest in sculpting Artist Dolls and making books, all came together this latest creative adventure: 
My second Handmade Artist Book: Magic Happens

The book is about 12x17 cm, and almost 3cm think (in fairness, most of this comprises of the hard fabric covered cover). There are 13 full page photographs and the 13 pages with a few words to bring you on a magical journey. See blow for a few sample pages, but I won't reveal all, otherwise there is no magic anymore!

If you happen to be interested in your own copy, I've decided to create a signed limited edition again (50), like Flying on Little Wings. The books will be made to order and all, or most, will have a different fabric used for the cover, as I am using remnants of upholstery, and rich curtain fabrics.


I certainly enjoyed the making of it!
X Corina
cover of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn
Title page of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn




Sample page of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn

Sample page of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn

Sample page of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn
Sample page of Magic Happens
Handmade book © Corina Duyn


ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...? Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Suddenly it's done!

After a month of weaving, suddenly my "Poppy" is done!
"Poppy" weaving
12x15cm (plus fringes)
It doesn't look exactly like the photo I worked from, but if I don't compare, I am rather happy with my first ever Real Weaving Project. An Artistic interpretation! :-) 

Building on from the bits that I learned during the weaving classes, (See here to read the previous post about weaving) this Poppy is a complete exploration of materials, texture, colours, shape... 
I became aware that that is exactly what I like to do in any creative project. Learn some of the basics about the material I'm about to work with and then explore!
Fun!

However, there is a level of impatience when I am working on something new, on something that is not clear from the outset what it will look like.
The very wise weaving teacher suggested: "Enjoy the impatience. It is an energy you can change into curiosity." 

This might sound silly, but I even love the feel of the tapestry, there is something sensual about touching the woven yarn.
...the mess to tidy up on the back!
Since completing the Poppy, I have been working on a handmade book about the Little Leek Artist Doll and the Amazing Leek Flowers, and a wood-clay sculpture Metamorphosis. More about this soon!

ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...? Many thanks & Lots of love Corina

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A thought ...



Acceptance
is an easier
place to be 
than in the state 
of hope

(of recovery)




ps... As always it is lovely to know that you stopped by to read my musing and follow my creative adventures. It would make my day if you leave a comment... preferably here, on the blog...?
Many thanks & Lots of love
Corina