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December 14, 2012

DC No.87: Shelter

This week's drawing challenge theme was difficult for me, which made for wrestling thoughts and pressed choices. Shelter one of our basic needs—along with food and love—is not only structure but concept. 

I keep a box of old print pieces for times like these. I knew I had the woodcut teepee but was surprised to uncover the reindeer scrap, hiding beneath layers of printed matter. Finally freed to leap into the composition, I composed, embellished and drew onto these old prints to build this "renovated" shelter:
"two teepees"
silkscreen, wood cut, chine colle, silver thread and fabric trim


I've missed pen and ink this fall so I dipped my nib with an homage to Vincent Van Gogh, my pen and ink muse. After looking at many of his drawings, I developed my own versions and interpretations versus direct copy:
pen and ink wash on bristol
Shelter can be something many take for granted.  My thoughts meander to an opposite of the concept "shelter"—e x p o s u r e. There are so many homeless people in the world. And there are also individuals who are sheltered in life, by thought-process and fears. Above my peasant woman advances with trepidation, into an open space.  The smaller fellow herds his sheep, sheltering them from harm, protected by the forest.

This weeks theme was hosted by: Renilde
for more visual interpretations visit her blog. Thank you for this thought-provoking theme,  Renilde!
And thank you to Ariane, keeper of TDC theme archives.

10 comments:

Kristen Donegan said...

these are super Emily- especially the top one I'm a real sucker for the tepee :)

Trail Pixie Trespas said...

Thanks Kristen! I was in your neck of the woods today after a visit with pals at Zumi's. Would love to meet soon.?

renilde said...

dear Emily, it's all there in your thoughts, words and work, the colors in 'Two teepees' together with the jumping, startled reindeer make me think of the fragility of our shelter, the shelter of peace of mind which can be disturbed any time and at once,
your pen drawings make me want to draw with pen and ink too :)
thanks for an interesting post, xx

tanĂ¯a said...

All of them amazing artworks! Love the simplicity of forms and the combination of colours in the teepees, the different material structures, just great!
Your ink drawings are so completely different again, full of detail, with a strong atmosphere that is raised by the persons, standing there lonely and motionless between the trees, hiding their faces and feelings...amazing. Had to stare on them for quite a while. It's the perspective that made me feel like a secret observer...

Patrice A. said...

me too
wrestling with the theme this week
but you did a fine job!
I like your work
and your words too!
and
you inspire me with the pen drawings
beautiful!!

love
Patrice A.
x

nadine paduart said...

trepidation is indeed the word i was unconsciously and emotionally looking for... how powerful, all of these. i appreciate the thoughts you lend to your drawings, they make the meaning so much richer.
n♥

Unknown said...

Dear Emily, I really like your reduced shapes, the color and texture combination - very lovely!
Barbara

Unknown said...

Hi Emily, its kind of hard to comment, I was kicked out 2 times...
I really love the combination of reduced shape, colour and textures - very lovely.
Barbara

Lalaith Means Laughter said...

Holy wowed kitten you make beautiful things....

Carole Reid said...

Great renovations, Emily! Wonderful use of shapes and lines in all your works.