On my work table (in my “studio”) (still working on those “”s), I protect the surface with an old piece of oil cloth (that yellow gingham you can see at the far edge there). And on top of that, I always have some sort of blotter-paper thing going on.
Mostly, it’s there so I can go over the edges of whatever I’m working on without worrying about getting it on the surface of my desk (although it does still spill over there from time to time). But I also use it much the way you might use a desk blotter . . . I jot notes to myself. Or I try out inks or stamps or ideas. I see how my pen is working. Just the random stuff of . . . making things.
The other day, I lifted whatever I was working on from the surface of that under-paper layer and was amazed by what I saw. I mean . . . that under-paper (which is just a piece of packing paper from something) was suddenly . . . more than just a piece of blotter. It had the residual from all kinds of ideas and projects and accidents and edges. It revealed my personal color palette – the colors I use and turn to most often in my paintings and projects. I can see various elements of most everything I’ve worked on for the past 3 or 4 months (the length of time that under-paper has been in place).
It’s like a little “archeological dig” of my recent art making.
And I kinda love it.
It made me start thinking about . . . life. And all the bits and pieces that layer on to it, creating the who . . . we become. Layer after layer after this and that. Sometimes on purpose. Sometimes by accident. Mostly just trial and error.
Seemingly nothing.
But suddenly . . . everything.
Underneath it all!
Oh my goodness – that under piece is so beautiful. An under cloth is just what I need. Your posts are so full.
“What’s under it all” is simply beautiful! I love the depth and layers and I’m sure it’s even more personal to you as a reflection of what you’ve been creating.
It’s really wonderful. Like unintentional art — that’s something to think about.
Under-cloth or under-piece – what a great idea and thanks for showing yours. I noticed “sanctuary, garden and weave” all at once. That’s YOU!!!
That’s an amazing piece of art on its own and an amazing metaphor for life in general!
Love this! It’s so gorgeous!
A work of art in itself. I love it. Reminds me of the same pair of overalls that I have painted in since I was 24 years old. At least, in the way of story… They’re not nearly as much to look at as your work-of-art blotter!
You always bring it to us Kym. And the under art is amazing. Just like you.
Loved the philosophical wrap up to this post.
It is art in itself.
I have nothing to add to what the comments that came before me, except my own Thank you for sharing this!
Those are a beautiful mix of colors.
YES! I had this same experience with fabric scraps… bits not big enough to “do anything with”… or so I thought! Little did I know that those bits held all kinds of inspiration! I wanted to call up Ms. Kondo and tell her that sometimes things don’t spark joy immediately… they need to simmer a bit before the joy overflows!
What a great metaphor you came up with based on your art! Love it!
Gorgeous, Kym!! Good enough to use…
😉
What a work of art just waiting to be discovered. I’m so glad you took a few moments to look underneath it all and share it with us. What an inspiration you are.
You could frame it as a reminder of your creative self. The colors are truly you. That scrap of paper is full of ideas both to come and, also, done.