It amazes me how it finds me. The art.
It came to me first as a sensation in my body and then as a realization of what could be. Like a light at the end of a tunnel, it's there but not quite in focus. The inkling is a gentle whisper in the wind, almost teasing. Something spectacular wishes to come to this world.
And this, this, is how Maru came to me. Amid a conversation with my collector about another piece, Goldfish appeared. It was not a mere idea, first with goosebumps on my arm and then a solid thunk into my consciousness, like a bolt from the Divine.
At that moment, it was as if the universe had decreed that she was to be created.
We both knew it.
She was about circles. The Circles of life. We all have ebbs and flows.
We all fight against the current and, finally, are either too exhausted or wise enough to realize that it is more advantageous to ride with the flow.
It is about recognizing and acknowledging the beauty of wholeness, a concept that unites us all.
We are connected to the Divine; we just forget.
Side Note: The creation process takes three months. The head is already sculpted, and the fabrics have already been chosen. I will discuss Part I: The Kimono, Part II: The Circles, and Part III: The Undergarments, Hat, and Final Images in weekly postings.
This is where we start...
BEGINNINGS
It always starts with a quick sketch. This initial step is crucial as it allows me to capture her essence before she floats on to another worthy maker. It's a way of preserving the first impression, the raw emotion that sparked the idea.
It starts in the pot. I begin by dyeing the vintage damask fabric with padding, which adds a soft color and infuses the fabric with a sense of history and nostalgia. This unique technique is a nod to the past, a way of incorporating the old into the new.
While the fabric is drying, I alter and arrange mehndi designs to be printed onto the fabric. I love having the designs on her #1 third eye center (the place of insight), #2 her hands because we create with our hands, and #3 her feet because they take us places in this world.
Fabrics are chosen based on how the Color will harmonize and connect with the overall concept. Many fabrics I have are from Asian countries; many are vintage, while others are silks I purchased in China.
HOW IS THE MESSAGE CONVEYED?
In this piece, it is the Color and movement within the design.
#1 Plum = Circles, #2 Orange = Goldfish, #3 Aqua = Water.
Each holds its meaning within.
The Kimono.
This silk is one of the most luxurious I have worked with. The weight is heavy but not too heavy. Just the feel of it pushes you to upgrade your game.
The weave of the black fabric has circular medallions. This is the perfect place to remove color and add orange, but only in the right spots! I used different inks, alcohol, acrylic, and watercolor until the depth was achieved.
Kimono front pieces were cut to know where the medallions would be in specific places.
After the inks are applied. Fabric dry and pressed.Medallion before.
Medallion after.
Front pieces dyed and cut. The extras are for appliques on the kimono back.
The Lining.
The lining was made from a vintage silk kimono pieced together to form one solid piece.
The hemline should have a floating-like wave of water.
Step One: All pieces machine sewn and ready for selves insert.
Step Two: Hand-sew the front and back together.
The vintage kimono silk was short in fabric, so I added this beautiful grey cotton.
Shown here: Hand-sewing the lining together with gorgeous silk thread.
Finished Kimono.
Front with medallions showing in the lower half and the sleeves.
Back with three appliqued medallions.
San" (三) is how you say three in Japanese.
Why Three?
Symbolizes long-lasting luck. It represents creativity, time (past, present, and future), and the three elements: body, mind, and spirit.
Next Week: The Circles!
Much Love-Leslie
Visit my website below for more Collector creations and workshops.
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