The other day I thought I'd try something different with the slip and blend the colors like I've done with paint. I need a better orange color. I might have to get an underglaze for that one; saturn orange never seems to develop the color I want. Blending the slip colors is a good challenge for me on this tile which is about 10 x 10. I see why they call it the bird of paradise, with the beak and top notch of feathers.
The flower looked lonesome so I thought I'd add a complementary tile to go along with it. You wouldn't believe how many times I sketched ideas in my sketch book trying to decide how to make the second tile. I thought I liked this one but now that I see the photograph I'm not sure. I was trying to put a modern spin on the second one. If I was using canvas I'd probably just paint over the smaller tile, but now that I've carved into the clay that won't do. Maybe I'll place the smaller tile upside down, the right, the bottom, well you get the picture. I'll move it around and see what I think. Sometimes I can visual so well in my head; other times I just can't get it to work in my mind's eye.
Birds of paradise are illustrated in art often and I see why. Both the birds and the flowers are have unique and intriguing shapes and colors. Click the links to see my friend Kitty's birds of paradise on plates at Zimmer Stewart Gallery; and a bird of paradise drawing by Kitty's daughter Jessica.
Did you remember it's white rabbit day? No rabbit, but here's a photo I took in Tampa of a giant white bird of paradise flower. I'm hoping for better luck to everyone affected by the past hurricane and no more hurricanes to affect anyone this season. Please send rain to those needing it, gentle refreshing rain; and sun to those not needing rain. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
I could really, really use that Rabbit!
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith, thanks, I think lots of folks could use that rabbit, I hope it multiplies rapidly.
ReplyDeleteOf course I forgot it was rabbit day. I forget even when reminded. Some day----
ReplyDeleteBird of paradise is such a unique plant. You really captured it.
I'm thinking a triptych would be nice for the bird of paradise tiles if you felt like making one more of the smaller size.
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Hi Patti, thanks, I think trying to remember the rabbit is a good exercise for the memory, keep trying. Ha.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks, I was originally thinking along those lines. I'll see what I can come up with. At first I didn't like the dark blue gray background, but now I do, it's a nice contrast between the bright flower.
Bird of Paradise is such a beautiful flower... amazing to look at and you captured it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, here are some things in nature that are truly amazing and this flower is one of them.
ReplyDeleteWe have two large Bird of Paradise plants and I love it when they are in bloom. I used them often in arrangements when I worked in a flower shop many years ago. Stunning! I would also suggest maybe trying a third tile with this in mind. I think you are on the right track, very nice.
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