Born of the Wind and Rain

With a damaged cherub, I proceeded to build this latest assemblage piece. The cherub was missing a head, already used elsewhere, a missing leg (shattered in a fall), and an arm that needed to come to the front. It was going to be a challenge, but one I was excited about, this was going to be something that spoke from my heart. It would have birds, and the feeling of wind. 

The box was boring too, so I added to the top and bottom, it ended up looking like a sardine can shape, good, all good. 

The cherub's expresion was like she was blowing, which is what I wanted. Since this is a chalk piece, I had to be careful, they break easily, and this one had wings on the side that needed removed. Eventually the head is attached, the leg rebuilt and the arm cut off and extended so it looks like it's delivering wind, or a blown breath. Mounting the cherub to the box frame (piece by piece), the inside had to be painted because I would not be able to get behind it. That's when you have to know, or be pretty certain, of what the end colors might be. Using some of Michael de Meng's neat painting techniques, I added the feeling of water and rain inside. 

Wood was screwed to the inside edge so I could put in 2 layers of rusty metal, another effect of rain (and wind, I suppose). The metal pieces were found along the railroad tracks in New Orleans, and some bits from the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (my own little quirky touch). It was time to begin painting the outside.

I took special care with this one, there is a lot of detail in the paint.

And she's done. I love her. 

Comments

[Julianne]

It's gorgeous!! Love so much detail and beautiful color

[Joyce E Williams]

This is a great piece. The fact that you shared your process was inspiring.Thank you so much for the back story. Beautiful!

[Karen]

thank-you so much, I love how the paint turned out, one just never knows... with every piece I feel more confident to be braver

[Scott]

Yeah, detail!