Naive Art Jugoslav

I have been inspired by Naive Art/Folk Art/Outsider, which is often unrecognized and undervalued.  Yugoslavian “naive art” is painting on glass.  To paint on glass, the technique is in reverse to that of a typical painting–the signature goes first, the details next, the broader areas next.  You have to plan ahead.  This art form began in the 1930s.  The main artists were Ivan Generalic, Josip Generalic, Ivan Rabuzin.

As with typical “naive art” artists used whatever was accessible, in this case glass.  People began painting their windows and the movement took off.  Today, you can see these artists’ works in museums such as the Pompidou.

I especially like Ivan Rabuzin.  Check out some of his paintings:

Some of the typical themes used by naive artists are the:  roosters which symbolize Christ, Christian imagery, and village life.  Examples by Ivan Generalic:

I am happy to say I own a piece of naive art by Rosa Proz–I have had to double frame it in the off change it would fall–glass art is very fragile!

For all information Croatian.

My Ladies as Sewing Inspiration

I was given a piece of this fabulous fabric with images of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is very inspirational and so beautiful I have it displayed on a chest at the foot of my bed. It inspired me to think I wanted to begin quilting, but after my experiences with pillows, I have come to the conclusion that I am a quilt appreciator and not quilt creator. This fabric could be made into a screen, individual pillows and embellished with sequins and milagros, or even apliqued to the back of a jacket.

I find images of the Virgin Mary or “the Ladies” to be very comforting and inspirational. When I was in Spain, many men and women wore bracelets with images of the virgin and saints. I found my favorite at the Monasterio Rascafrio. Here are some examples. I wear this one  almost everyday to keep evil vibes away.  The one I found in Spain at the Monasterio Rascafrio is a sepia wooden one of various Virgins/ladies!

Check out my Slide Show!

This slideshow documents the making of my first sewing attempt: Pillows for my lounge chairs. Please note pattern: jazz band musicians.

Sewing

I never learned to sew. I do know, however, how to needlepoint, embroider, and mend clothing. I am an admirer of quilts and always thought that when I had the time I would become a quilter. However, I never learned how to use a sewing machine. I never took Home Ec as I wanted to be a feminist. I have always been interested in “folk or outsider arts” and one of my favorite outsider artists is Howard Finister. I could see myself becoming like howard and painting or mosaicing away my entire house.The “less–er arts” or “women’s arts” such as quilting, embroidery etc has always received less attention from art media.I am very fascinated by the application of fabric to books, journaling etc…An example of this is at: http://www.alteredbookartists.com/In my sewing journey, my kind friend Donna Hopson has lent me her mother’s sewing machine, aka “the beast” a creature from the 1950s in a pale green color. We set a day aside to teach me how to make pillows. I had chosen cheap fabric. One had musicians playing—bass players of course–that would be complimented with bright blue solid fabric. The making of these 2 pillow forms was a day experience. We got out the pillow patterns, choose an easy one, cut the fabric and then Donna directed me at the 1950 sewing machine Pressure foot up. Pressure foot down. Very stressful. Results–two nice pillows for the lounge chairs in the back. We will have to have another sewing date.

Hello world!

Hello Everyone. I have decided to write my blog about my experiences in learning to sew as well as my broader ruminations on fashion and costume.