So many things about the ocean seem to draw us. For me it's the freshness of the air, the sound of waves, and the fascination of the far horizons. We flew from Florida to Maine- "down east"- for several days in June. This photo was taken from the rocky coast of Southern Maine.
The Marginal Way in Ogunquit offers a walk along the coast with many beautiful views. It was cool and overcast some of the days, but we had a couple of sunshiny ones, too.
In a happy coincidence, mixed media artist Lenna Andrews offered her By the Sea Swap of Artist Trading Cards right about the same time as our travels. ATCs are small works of art about the size of a baseball trading card- 2/12" x 3". Nearly two dozen participants took part. We each made three ATCs to trade and sent them to Lenna, who sorted and returned three cards made by others. I received this happy shark on a printed fabric background made by Pam Gonzalez from Illinois.
Sabine Schneider from Germany stitched this little storm-tossed sailboat. She incorporated a lot of fabrics and stitching in such a small space.
Catherine Mommsen Scott who has a fine art shop on Etsy called Imajica Amadoro, used the photographic process of cyanotype to create her card and added inked details.
Some participants made more than one set of ATCs in the theme. And Lenna also recieved many extras of the cards sent in. She generously included a fourth card along with some collage materials in the return envelope. I found this ocean blue, hand-stitched beauty made by Siri Hauge Opdal from Norway in mine. These swaps are fun to participate in, and of course the happy mail you get in return really brightens up the day.
As I thought about the swap theme, "almost monochromatic" kept coming to mind. When I found this evocative vintage image of a woman reading her book beside the ocean, it seemed made for a "by the sea" challenge. I used watercolor background paper along with bits cut from security envelopes to frame the image, and then sewed on the tiny flower sequins for a touch of color.
I think she's reading and dreaming of travel to those far horizons. The only things that changed in the three ATCs I made were the background papers and the colors and position of the sequin flowers. This was great fun and I look forward to another swap with Lenna in the fall. She made a YouTube video showing all of the work of the participants. It's less than three minutes, so take a look if you get a chance.
When you're by the sea, there are so many charming buildings and scenes inviting photography. Don't you love the Harbormaster's cottage at Perkins Cove?
We've visited Maine many times over the years with our children, and I think I take this shot every year. All these boats at anchor in the cover are like a postcard. By the sea is a refreshing place to be.
8 comments:
Nancy! What a wonderful post. You did a fabulous job explaining the swap. I love how you shared all the ATCs you received as well. Thank you!
Nancy, I hate to correct you, but ATCs are 2.5 X 3.5 inches (or 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches). I am sure that is the size you actually created. You received some real beauties. Yours were certainly different from the ones you created! I like them all.
What a great interesting blog post.......I've taught several times at the Maine Quilt Show/conference......loved every minute of that beautiful part of our country!
Indeed- Bleubeard and Elizabeth are correct- the dimensions for ATCs I provided are off! They are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". I need to hire a proofreader.
Love this post. Being by the sea is my happy place as well. Thank you for sharing all the inspiring art
ATC's are fun to exchange. I really, really like yours!!! The 'lady' appears so peaceful!!!! Great idea!!!!! I too love the smell of the ocean and just listening to the waves. I'm not into swimming anymore but I could sit at a house and just watch and listen! Thanks for sharing your pics!
Your trip looks like it was soul-filling. I love all those peaceful views, particularly along the Maine coast. I've been to Maine only once, back in 1970 when, over six weeks one summer, I lived at a full-immersion French school. (At the time, I thought I wanted to be a French teacher.) The house we lived in was on the ocean, and it was glorious! You've reminded me of good memories. The card swap in which you participated looks like fun - right up your alley. The cards you received are all nice, but the ones you made are the best! The picture evokes a romantic period of charming grace. Love your addition of that spot of color. Those who received your cards are most fortunate.
Thanks for the YouTube link. Really enjoyed it. I don't know how you find the time to do all the interesting things you do. Loved what you shared with me this morning.
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