And Then There Was This One

 

Old School Selfie

Some ideas just flow beautifully like a serine creek in a quiet wood.  The idea comes whispering sweet nothings in your ear and the melody of the creative dance begins.  From start to finish it is a pleasure to manipulate the tools, found objects, and watch the seed of an idea grow.  You get the picture. 

Not this one.  Nope.  It came out spitting and hissing like a caged feral cat.  

                                           

Maybe it was because all of the parts had been sitting around in their respective places, not socializing with others.  I crafted the head out of air dried clay and left it unpainted, picking it up on occasion hoping to help it find its way.  The camera was passed from one, to another, then onto me so maybe it felt abandoned and therefore uncooperative.  

The application of the movement varied from moment to moment.  I started with an elaborate construction of a metal wire cage with gears.  No.  Next was a paired down version, removal of gears, addition of wire cam shaft. No.  Complete removal of wire cage, start over.  After a hard fought fight I ended up with a dowel connected to the viewfinder creating a tipping point, simple but somewhat effective at this point.   The crow awkwardly rocks back and forth with the use of a wire lead (seen in picture).  You just grab the wire and force her into submission.

The only highlight of this project, with the exception of when I finally called it complete, was making the wings.  Once, years ago I had some now forgotten brilliant idea to do something grand with those thick paper bar coasters touting which beer is the best.  Thanks to eBay I have a box of these packed in the deep recesses of my supplies.  With wire, the colorful coasters, and knowledge gained at an Arrowmont art class the crow is able to fly, so to speak.  Oh, and the eyelashes! It was with this glorious addition that I knew this drudgery of a piece was done.

Lastly, this project spent more time in a Time Out Bag than it did to actually complete it. The crow has no good side to photograph.  And to have the last laugh, I have run out of shelf room for bigger projects ( she is 16 inches high x 15 inches wide and 13 inches deep) so she sits on the dinning room table mocking me every breakfast. 

I'm sure I will come to revel in her awkwardness at some point.  Think positive!!

We are in the definite throws of summer with the heat keeping many inside.  Hopefully this finds you cool with a tall glass of sipping lemonade. you know the kind that makes you pucker with delight.

Peace,

Hilari