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Refined

Rubber stamp on magazine print, with inked verse on recycled paper
[a] Finally, a readable version (gives up)

Collage: Rubber stamp on magazine print; lavender scented ink (in quill) on recycled paper. Photograph: “Pretty Killer” editorial by Ellen von Unwerth, Numéro, Tokyo, April 2016.

A mindful process refines me. When a thing feels auto-, it’s time to reset and learn as I go.

Refined
[b] Proofread (gives up)

The quill and lavender scented ink are with a friend’s mother. She’s recuperating after a long hospital stay. Writing in a start/pause/adjust style should keep her mind and hand muscles engaged. I practiced for several hours to get a feel for the process. She’s now giving it a try.

Thank you for viewing.

By ΠιCΘLΞ

Life is short, so let’s be decent.

158 replies on “Refined”

Thanks a lot for visiting. It’s lovely. The consistency of that ink is slightly gelatinous though it’s not waterproof. I thought that as a writer, the quill would appeal to you. Warm wishes.

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That’s lovely of you to say. Thank you so much. I owe much of it to the skill of the photographer. Even with heavy defacement the photo still stands out. It’s rare to find this kind of timeless artistry in a fashion editorial.

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Thank you Elizabeth, I was drawn to your blog because of your collage technique. I thought we would have something in common. I am happy you liked this presentation. This collage took a lot of time, as I had to find the right rubber stamp and decide on the best area for making an impression. I stamped a few other pages, but it looked too colourful. So I went with vintage glamour. The inked section took a few hours of practice as it was my first time using a quill. I was only planning to write one word but after using up a lot of paper, the poem came out naturally. I like when that happens. xo

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Hello Bernadette, and thank you so much for stopping over. I have been quietly enjoying your work, as you know. It’s really great to hear from you. Warm wishes for Wednesday. xo

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This is really good. I could feel your painstaking effort to write this using quill. Must be challenging as ink runs out fast. First time hearing and learning of lavender scented ink. Speedy recovery wishes to your friend’s mother and a restful Sunday to you SB 😀

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Thank you so much, GH. I apologise for this late response. I was wondering where comments went and I think there was a WP glitch that sent them to purgatory. I appreciate your thoughtful response and hope that you are well.

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I’m currently traveling but wanted to stop by and tell you that your collage is gorgeous! I especially love the way the woman clings to her doll. We all need to feel safe and secure.

As far as refining goes, I need to always remind myself to let go of any negative thoughts and remember how fragile and fleeting life is.

Thanks for a wonderful post. co

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Thank you so much for your kind words. The entire editorial had the same model clinging to the same doll in a range of poses. The settings were all a bit Sleepy Hollow meets shabby chic, which is genius. Safe travels to you. I hope that your trip is going smoothly. xo

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SB, splendid choice of photograph and I love your (matching refined) process into this collage. I shall be looking up lavender ink promptly, you have me intrigued.
What refines me? What a thought provoking question. . . . I don’t know really? Perhaps, like you, some deliberate buffing of those rough edges?
Love and light for April x

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Thank you so much, mGm. What rough edges? I think you’re at the end of that process, though. Refined, polished and sophisticated. All qualities I admire, especially in a friend.

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Anytime, mGm. Thank you for the question. I am inspired by different things, relative to anything I do. However, I draw a line between practice and the need to not repeat myself creatively. I love it when people understand why I do something. That is flattering . But if people know what I’m planning to do next, that means I have to work harder. Above that I am inspired by the need to tell the truth about where I am, at the moment. I am not in a tulip and daisies mood but I considered painting tulips and daisies because I can be 15-30% people pleaser. This time around, I decided to dial that all the way down and bring myself to the table. Who likes a phony , fake person, anyhow?

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Agreed, if the essence of yourself isn’t flavouring all your work then it is really hard to connect. But it is also important to connect and engage. Predictability is boring and there is a fine line between refinement and the expected. You have struck that balance well. You give enough of yourself that we may know you and also very present is a welcome air of mystery x

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Hello mGm. Thank you very much for the reassuring words. I am very encouraged.

On a different note, I am very sorry for the late response. I knew that WP was glitchy but this takes the cake. I found about 30+ comments where they should never have been. Thank goodness I had the presence of mind to check. Just brilliant.

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Thank you. This was like wrestling, but I trusted that an artist really “see” it. There’s a part of me that rebels against the critical eye that takes everything literally and therefore, personally.

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SB you are so unbelievably talented!! Making the connection between this particular process and you as a person (really any of us) is fascinating. “Refined by the process” yes, this is how we get to where we are – love this! “Learn as I go” is my newest motto and it really does keep me on my toes as I fall and get back up again. Have a great weekend!!

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Thank you so much for your support. I threw this thing away so many times I’m surprised it was still in one piece when I made one last effort. Giving up is not the same as losing. I believed this was the right message. You’re right. This collage represents me, unfiltered. Lots of layers, and imperfections but only fragile on the outside. Have a lovely weekend, too.

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Thank you for that lovely story. Aardvarks are intriguing. The scent was motivating but I’ll pass on the squeaking of quill nib. Maybe I’ll try softer paper next time.

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Ah yes, I’m familiar with scratchy nibs, not that I have used one for a few decades, I used to do quite a bit, with calligraphy pens, and even a pheasant feather I carved myself – your R f and d is beautiful – I love the way the hoop of the D is escaping like its rolling away of its own volition! Most eloquent! 🙂

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Thanks, Ogden. My handwriting does whatever it likes. I’m very happy to know I can find you for a specially carved pheasant feather. 💗💗

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