Saturday, December 6, 2008

WHAT CHOICE WE HAVE

Time for another Winner Takes All. This time it was open theme, the lucky winner had no specific preference. So the field was open. Free reign. Artistic license, as they say.


I'd had a transparency of Helen Keller sitting around for ages. I love the image . . . one hand on a book, the other lovingly stroking a dog. I won't pretend to know enough about Helen Keller to state that it was her dog. I do know that she gave interviews for several magazines, so the sweet canine in the image could have been a prop. Nonetheless, the image speaks volumes, as does the life of Helen Keller. Which got me thinking. As I am prone to do when messing around with these ATCs.


Helen Keller was born sighted and able to hear. She lost her vision and hearing during childhood and became unruly and out of control around others. Enter Anne Sullivan, her teacher, her companion, her friend. Anne Sullivan opened the world to Helen Keller. And Helen Keller embraced it for all it was worth. She made a choice, and in the process became one of the most inspiring and compelling figures in American history.


We mixed-media types love texture. Crave it, admire it, seek it out in our little works of art. Imagine how important texture is to someone who is blind. Imagery through tactile perception. How do you feel beauty? How do you interpret color and placement and composition and depth? All through your sense of touch. In the absence of sight and sound, the hands are the conduits by which we experience our vast and wonderous world.


I attempted to represent the importance of texture in this ATC by using a variety of media. The uneven edges and smooth face of the mica, the rusted pieces of wire, the crumpled piece of sheet music. Dried flowers, torn and aged paper. Clipped vintage text. The burned, frayed edges and graphic weave of the mull. All mounted on a base of distressed bookboard. It is my hope that this card promotes the idea that we have a conscious choice in our lives despite what may be seemingly insurmountable circumstances. Trust our senses, trust our perceptions, and they will ultimately lead us to a place of beauty and peace.


Ciao for now.

Shelly




12 comments:

Anne, Bulles dorées said...

what a fantastic atc, with a lot of work and texture, it's rare !!

Sandy said...

Wow this is absolutely stunning.
Unbelievable design.

Artsnark said...

Another great piece - you definitely pulled of the textures. Was the first thing that struck me!!

thekathrynwheel said...

This is really wonderful - fantastic textures. I can see lots of your trademarks here...stitching, fabric, mica......it's just fab :-)

Dale said...

I just love this atc. I am drawn to it, not only through it's beauty, but also through the thought you have obviously put into it. Fascinating to use such media on an ATC... wonderfully done!

Lady Di said...

The interesting story about Anne Sullivan is that she was one of the worst patients at the institution and was placed in solitary confinement in the cellar. A kind nurse spent an hour or 2 with her every day just sitting, no talking. Then one day the nurse brought biscuits, but Anne wouldn't eat them. Weeks passed, Anne ate a biscuit ... then a few words were exchanged. Months passed, Anne was moved upstairs. Years passed, she was allowed to leave and go back into the community, yet she decided to stay at the institution and help others. She met Helen Keller and the rest was history ... amazing the knock on effect of a little bit of kindness. By the way ... I absolutely adore this ATC, as you already know ... it'a a masterpiece.

Sam Marshall said...

Love everything about this!!!

~*~Patty S said...

Quite amazing what you've done in ATC size! This piece is very moving and quite wonderful!

Unknown said...

This is INCREDIBLE....
Wonderfully done.

Viola said...

Again, I love your artwork, sweetie!! :o)))

femminismo said...

What an image. And the words! Yes, let's all submit to happiness. Every day in every way. jeanne in oregon

Lorri said...

I love this post - the information shared, the art - WOW!!