Sunday, November 7, 2010

GRAM AND ME

Quite a while ago, oh, about a year I would say, I found some really old newspapers behind my grandparents very elaborate and old baptismal certificates from the church, and a wedding certificate. I took them to Kinko's , the certificates too, and had them photocopied in a mirror image, with the plan of transferring them into mixed media for a project. That project happened this weekend, well, at least one of them! The newspapers and the certificates are all in Polish, so I really wanted to use them as they are a huge part of my gram and her heritage, and who she was. This is an 8"x 8" canvas that I painted with titan buff, and distressed a bit with burnt umber and added a bit of meadow green. I transferred a torn part of the newspaper onto the canvas by a gel transfer, and was really happy with the way it turned out. I then glued a piece of a sewing pattern and placed the image of me and my gram on top. I had photocopied a photo of us, cut it out of cardstock, and stuck it on with those pop dot thingies to give us some dimension. I added a beautiful bit of Lorraine of Creative Daily's fabulous blue patterned fabric, a piece of my Gram's hankerchief, and a piece of an old ruler. I gave my grandma wings, because the little I can remember of her, is like a beautiful creature that took me to in her wings. I gave myself a small butterfly to hang onto, signifying my growth. Oh, and of course, some of gram's old buttons I have. I have plans to make more with other family members, possibly as gifts for my family. I had so much fun telling our story this way. I think she would have liked it.

Thanks for visiting as always, and your incredible friendships!

22 comments:

stregata said...

Another beautiful and very meaningful piece. Lucky you to have found the old newspaper, which resonates in so many ways. It is wonderful, Sharito!

Cindy said...

Sharon, how absolutely beautiful! I imagine your Grandmother really would love this piece, and how you added pieces to honor her heritage and the bond you have. I think this is a great idea for family gifts...sharing your talent alone would be appreciated, but also adding in parts of your family history would make them such treasured keepsakes.
The picture of you two reminded me of me and my Grandmother! :-) The butterfly balloon is so sweet and such great symbolism for growth.

Cindy said...

Oh wow, I see Renate and I visited within a minute of each other...and we arephysically worlds apart!....so cool! :-)

Dorthe said...

Dear Sharon,
what a special, and wonderfull piece of art.
I so love the way you thought this collage.Like the torn paper in the back- telling about where it all startet, but also that you gram was "torn" into two diff. lives by mooving from Poland. And you two standing holding hands, grown and child- both able to "fly", but holding fast to each other..a beautifull treasure made, full of happy memories.
Hugs, dear---Dorthe

Diane said...

Yes, this is what we should do with our families memories--turn them into meaningful art. It's such a wonderful way of preserving your ancestor's history instead of putting it aways somewhere.

romantic decay said...

This is a beautiful way to remember. Wonderful art!

thekathrynwheel said...

Wow, this is wonderful, a real treasure. What a great way to preserve your family history :-)

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi Sharon,
this is absolutely beautiful!!
I'm pretty sure your Grandma would love it.You are amazing!
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs and love,
Marie

Terri Kahrs said...

Sharon, your sweet remembrance of your grandmother brought tears to my eyes this morning. U'm sure she's wearing a heavenly grin and is pleased as punch to see your beautiful tribute. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

So impressive! Gorgeous collage.
Hugs Anja

creativelenna said...

Sharon, this is really very, very special. Right up my alley! I love it very much and I'm so glad you had time to create it. xoxoxo

SummersStudio said...

That's a lovely tribute to your gramma and her heritage.

~*~Patty S said...

precious and so very dear !!!
Loved reading the back story on what you created Sharon
oxo

Cathy said...

lovely, sharon!

steufel said...

Sharon, your grandma would be so proud and she'd love how you remember her.

Halle said...

How cool that you found those papers! Love what you did with them...

Steph said...

oooh sharon, my heart skipped a beat when i saw this piece....stunning collage and oh so meaningful....

Diane said...

Oh Sharon...what a special piece to remember your gram by! I love your process, and sharing it all with us was so fun to read. Great work filled with so much meaning....

Pretty Things said...

Such a lovely way to commemorate a memory!

Lorraine said...

This turned out lovely Sharon! I'm always so happy to see artists using my fabrics and bits in their creations! Thank you!

BadPenny said...

A truly wonderful piece of work.
I have many old photos & documents but don't really know what to do with them or how to do it. Wish I could go on a workshop !

Esther said...

this picture with your gran'ma is beautiful !!you did a great great work!

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