Bordering the Ridiculous

In the process of finishing the last 2 pages in my first Forest Book in a series.  There will be 10  total- 2 feet by 4 feet pages.  Once these last 2 are complete, the book pages will be attached to the metal spine.  This would be really exciting except that it will still take quite awhile.  The labor for this page is pretty time intensive. The hardware cloth in the frame for these last 2 pages has to be worked side to side in stages so as not to ruin the assemblage being constructed on the opposite side. As the pages are worked on, the work is juggled side to side for the correct time to put pieces together.

The part being constructed below needs one 8" piece of jute twine in each 1/4" square of the grid that is open.  The twine is pulled through, doubled over and tied close to the grid. The composition in the center is also being built up with layers of melted and torn lutradur that will attach to the top of the cheesecloth skin digital print.  Before the lutradur goes together the jute has to be completely attached to the grid.  It took 2 hours to do the small section in the left bottom corner that is finished.  I'll be here awhile:)

The crochet grid pattern you see in the background of the frame is the back side of this page.  The crochet grid will be the bottom layer of an assemblage using digitally printed tyvek, metal grid and waxed linen.  Some other elements are also being considered.

Dimensional Collage With Digital Prints in WOW's March Issue 2011

"Dimensional Collage With Digital Prints" is my new workshop/article written for Workshop on the Web.  This article will appear in the March 2011 issue of this interesting internet publication.

My artwork including journals and art books incorporate original digital images with many textures and other mixed medium elements.  Digital media can be used in many uncommon ways with alternative ways.  This concept drives my work.  For this workshop/article my focus is on simple ways to include digital prints in mixed media art.  I chose a base of watercolor paper that can be printed on any digital printer with no precoat.  This makes the process fun and simple. The dimensional parts come from other added elements seen in the article.

Here are a couple pics-for the complete worshop/article visit Maggie Grey's Workshop on the Web to subscribe.

Forest Book Lutradur and Encaustic Page

Another page is ready for my Forest Book and it is composed of paper clay, encaustic, waxed linen, digitally printed and melted lutradur, dyed burlap, threads and pieces of a multitude of digital prints on alternative surfaces.  This page measures approximately 4 feet x 2 feet.  The back side will be posted here soon.  I have included a full shot and detail.  If you would like to see some other pictures of the base and the start of adding encaustic pieces go to my texture blog.