What We Leave Behind

I recently heard the question, "What will archaeologist uncover from our generation?"  Grecian urns, Mayan carved bowls, Russian samovars...........No!  Sadly, we will leave behind Styrofoam take out containers, GladWare, and other atrocities.

With this thought circling my mind, I began my first outdoor sculpture for a local public art project. The sculptures will hang for a month from a tree in the Glenwood South District of Raleigh, NC. The largest challenge in the project is how to convert fiber art into an outdoor sculpture that can withstand the elements.  I will be creating three or more sculptures using various multimedia materials that are then hardened with a textile hardener, Paverpol.  In a future blog, I will discuss the materials and process in more detail as well as detail the complete public art project happening in Glenwood South.

Shattered, the first sculpture for this project, is based on the question of "What will we leave behind?"  Using cotton, felt, and silk I created my vision of an Urban Vessel.  I wanted to illustrate a shattered relic of our time using graffiti coloring as an alternative to the depressing thought of unearthed plastic ware.

My Rainbow of Thread Colors

One of my favorite gifts from my husband is my Gutermann 100% Natural Cotton Thread Set. Being able to quickly glance at thread color options and audition different colors without having to scramble through a box of thread is a huge time saver.

View fullsize

I currently use glass jars to contain my other threads.  However, I hope to eventually find a way to display them as well.  Shelf space is precious in my studio.  I will be searching for a solution that can be mounted on the wall.

I have tried various thread brands and prefer the 100% Natural Cotton Gutermann thread for most of my projects.  I prefer cotton as it can be over-dyed if needed.  The cotton thread works well for both machine and hand stitching.  There are many more expensive brands, but Gutermann is a good quality thread in an average price range.  In my experience, Coats & Clark brand threads break easily regardless of the type.  

I have used several of Gutermann's other thread types for both machine and hand stitching.  I use Gutermann 100% Viscose thread when I want to emphasize an area by adding shine.  For pieces needing added strength I use Gutermann's 100% Polyester thread for both machine and hand stitching.  To add a minimal shine, I use Gutermann's 100% Silk Thread.  I have currently only used the silk thread for hand stitching.  The most impressive thread is the Gutermann Invisible Thread.  Anyone that has ever experienced a rat's nest bobbin using invisible thread knows the importance of a good invisible thread.  I have used both the clear and the smoke invisible thread numerous times without any problems for both the top thread and the bobbin.  

Over the course of my experiments I will try other brands.  Currently, I am trying out the different types of thread while keeping the brand a constant.  Keeping the brand variable the same allows me to get a feel for the difference of type of thread without having to consider brand differences.

Please comment on either thread storage options or thread choices that you have a fondness for using.