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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Melange Wednesday Challenge




The theme this week for the Melange Wednesday Challenge is Dance. I have found myself drawn to the theme of dance for many years in my collage work. I have used it several times and still have uncompleted dance ideas in my head. I've chosen to submit 2 of my previously completed collage pieces. These original artworks both live in my house. I decided I wanted to keep them. So many people have requested these pieces that I offer prints and cards of them.
The phrase Dance with a Cat originated with my daughter. When she was a teenager and dealing with all the "stuff" that teenagers deal with, she would often scoop up her 17 lb Siamese kitty Fasa aka Mufasa, drape him over her shoulder like a baby, close her eyes and slowly begin to dance. Her theory was 'When life gets you down, dance with the cat.' The tabby cat was created with paper and colored pencil. The girl and her horn were created with pen and ink and watercolor. The background was done in acrylic paint. The music box still actually plays.

The second collage Dare to Be Free was created out of the idea that when one dances, one feels truly free. The feet and slippers are painted on vintage book pages. The roses are vintage cards, and the calla lillies are porcelain. The vintage library card is authentic.

Thanks for looking.
Elizabeth

12 comments:

reagan said...

I love the kitty, I had an orange tabby when I was a teen and I told him all of my secrets. They were safe with him:-)

whyte said...

Adorable, Wind.....! Off the subject, but I really like your pet portraits too!!

Elizabeth Johnson said...

Oh yes PC, cats are the best secret keepers. Dogs are great friends but they always look like they just might slip and tell the dog next door if the subject comes up. But cats never tell.

Thanks whyte, I really enjoy doing the portraits and bringing out their individual personalities.

Chrisy said...

You story about your daughter dancing with the cat and her words made me misty eyed...thank you...

NANCY LEFKO said...

beautiful pieces !!!! thanks for joining in the challenge :)

paperdreamer said...

Love the cat dancing ........... very whimsical !

Glenda-TwoCoolTexans said...

We just lost our orange tabby Jake, but I did so love the Dance With a Cat piece. He never cared one bit how you scooped him up and loved on him. Brought back some tears but some really good memories. I am so glad that you have joined us Elizabeth. Hugs, G

Annette Tait said...

The collages are so meaningful Elizabeth - wonderful to read about!

I hope your daughter is still dancing with cats :)

Artsnark said...

Just wonderful! Really love the kitty & story behind it

Donna, The Decorated House said...

Such a sweet reminder that our little pets love to dance, too!

pey said...

Happy to know the origin of "dance with a cat", I love it even more!
Thank you so much!!

pey said...

Happy to learn the origin of "Dance with a cat", I love it even more!!

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