Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Art Plagiarism

About six years ago I plagiarized this Van Gogh using fabric collage and applique to recreate it. It hangs in my front hall, and I smile every time I see it.
Recently, for a friend's wedding, I decided to make a similar piece. The great thing about making a gift like this is that you can totally customize it to the recipient's taste. I asked my friend for a few abstract artists that both she and her now husband liked. She knew I was up to something, and eagerly volunteered that they had gone to a Kandinsky exhibit the day they became engaged. She even sent me a link to his favorite piece by the artist, this one. I'd never seen it before, and loved it immediately. I set to work making a fabric copy of this painting for them.

The woman at the cutting table at Joann's had to know what I could possibly be up to with 1/8 yard cuts of all these organzas. Thank goodness it was prom season; I had a lot to choose from!
Pinned meticulously to prevent shifting.
Here are a few details of the hand stitching:All done sewing:I decided to frame it for them, and I took a risk by choosing this metallic frame. It's nice and modern, even though it's gold. Also, I like the sleek shape, sketchy-ness of the surface, and I really like that it is black on the outside edge.
I'm absolutely in love with this piece. The original painting is so fun and interesting, and it's always exciting to be inspired by the great works of others.