Friday, September 25, 2009

Clumber Street Shrine: almost there!





CLUMBER STREET SHRINE
first and third panels

digital scrapbook layouts (each panel 7ins x 11ins)



The first panel in the triptych has been the most difficult to get right. This is probably because of the ambiguity I'm trying to achieve, suggested to me by the original condition of the photograph that I have used, which invests the souvenir of a happy occasion with a sense of anger and destruction. The photograph was purchased in Nottingham, over twenty years ago, along with the second, clearly featuring the same woman, a few years later. The young man may have been her brother but I have chosen to identify him as her intended or new husband. Had this precious family photograph been defaced by a small child, too young to know better, or were the marks and holes made by an angry child...or an angry adult? The look of defiance on the woman's face, in the second photograph, together with my estimation of the time frame during which it was taken, led me to a story of loss connected to the First World War but perhaps there is more to this story than first meets the eye: what exactly happened to the handsome but rather weak-looking young man? Was he mourned as a hero or did he desert his family, his name only to be found, a few years later, entered alongside that of another lady, in the marriage register of a church in some distant city or town?
Next week, when I've finished reworking the middle panel, I'll post all three images together, side by side. Then I'd love to hear your interpretations of the story.

11 comments:

Caterina Giglio said...

wow! this is just going to be smashing, I cannot wait to see the reveal Lumi..it is jut so mysterious!

Lawendula said...

Looks wonderful! So full of secrets!
Happy Weekend, xoxo!

Kim Palmer said...

This is shaping up so well. Love the intrigue of the story that's suggested by the pics. Can't wait to see the finished piece!

Unknown said...

she looks very tired in the 2nd photo - but still pushing through.

I love your use of Glare in both pictures. It's almost like an apparition hanging over their heads (his head mostly in the 1st) - perhaps a portent of trouble .....

Taluula said...

Wow Lumi they are so mysterious.

lynne h said...

i love what you did to the photo in the first panel - now i'm thinking about what it all means - the photo itself and the scribbling/poked holes... i will be very happy to see all three panels together. maybe i will have new ideas about the first panel by then. : )

xo

Anonova said...

I see what you mean by ambiguity... I've always felt that with old, old photos. They were usually so stiff and posed that you always wondered what was going on behind the "smile for the camera" mask.
Great job with these.

Anonymous said...

Your work is absolutely hauntingly beautiful...full of memory and history.

Bea said...

What a wonderful treat to check out your blog. Beautiful work. Love the "stories" behind the photos. I can get lost in that kind of thing.
I can see I'm going to have to go out and get some more dark beer, maybe some Spotted Cow and some cheese to take in YOUR work. :)Bea

Juli said...

You're doing a great job! I can see I am really going to enjoy working with you!

Oh, by the way, you should go on to the DAQ home page and see the link for DAQ bloggers, and add your name to Donna's list. I think you actually have to leave a regular comment and she'll add your blog name.

You gotta be there with the rest of us!

Talk more later-- back to work! :]

Juli/Artist in Residence

Donna B. Miller said...

I just love the way this is coming together. You're right, it is interesting to see the thought process behind the finished project.