I came to know Mary Delany by accident. I was in a bookstore with a friend who placed The Paper Garden in my hands and said, 'I think you'll like this story'. How can you turn down a recommendation like that? I bought the book! And I am excited to be bringing it to TeaPotters Swap.
What's not to be curious about the woman who is considered the first Mixed Media artist AND didn't launch her amazing works until she was 72? Both the British Museum as well as the Ulster Museum in Belfast house many of her collages.
I decided to use the PSX poppies as my Art Blooms. Check this picture of Mary's magnificent Poppy. I made several sheets of Brusho backgrounds so I could paper piece the leaves and petals. I popped out parts of each bloom for dimension. The background pattern is reminiscent of earlier works of Mary, she learned the needle and scissor arts from a wee age. Her silhouettes are works to behold. She would also find expression in creating her ball gowns and bedspreads.
I used the sentiment:
Friendship is to people
what sunshine is to flowers.
And a bit of German Scrap that I embossed with a Verdigris ep. And a few staples. The card is mounted on Arches WC paper.
If I've created an interest in exploring more of Mrs Delaney's journey, one of her ancestors has written a biography Mrs Delany, Her Life and Her Flowers. The pictures of 1800th century landscapes, castles, and regal homes as well as those magnificent botanicals are in abundance here.
I hope you enjoy meeting a pioneer in paper arts and be encouraged to expand your horizons, no matter what your age and style!
Date: Monday, April 27, 2020 GMT Views: 1414
Favorited:4
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Fri, May 01, 2020 @ 6:40 PM
Both your challenge and your art are inspirational wonders, Susan! The dp looks like fabric, love the little snippet of German Scrap. The poppies are gorgeous, beautifully colored and formed. Someone is in for a treat!
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.
Registered: March 13, 2011 Location: Langley, B.C. Canada Posts: 32126
Fri, May 01, 2020 @ 11:22 PM
Ooh, where do I start.....Your background paper is a wonderful choice for those gorgeous poppies. I love the horizontal embossed piece in that wonderful color. I love, love reading about people like Mary Delaney. What an inspiration. Thank you so much for introducing her to us.