I came to know Mary Delany by accident. I was in a bookstore with a friend who placed The Paper Garden in my hands and said, 'I think you'll like this story'. How can you turn down a recommendation like that? I bought the book! And I am excited to be bringing it to TeaPotters Swap.
What's not to be curious about the woman who is considered the first Mixed Media artist AND didn't launch her amazing works until she was 72? Both the British Museum as well as the Ulster Museum in Belfast house many of her collages.
I decided to use the PSX poppies as my Art Blooms. Check this picture of Mary's magnificent Poppy. I made several sheets of Brusho backgrounds so I could paper piece the leaves and petals. I popped out parts of each bloom for dimension. The background pattern is reminiscent of earlier works of Mary, she learned the needle and scissor arts from a wee age. Her silhouettes are works to behold. She would also find expression in creating her ball gowns and bedspreads.
I used the sentiment:
Friendship is to people
what sunshine is to flowers.
And a bit of German Scrap that I embossed with a Verdigris ep. And a few staples. The card is mounted on Arches WC paper.
If I've created an interest in exploring more of Mrs Delaney's journey, one of her ancestors has written a biography Mrs Delany, Her Life and Her Flowers. The pictures of 1800th century landscapes, castles, and regal homes as well as those magnificent botanicals are in abundance here.
I hope you enjoy meeting a pioneer in paper arts and be encouraged to expand your horizons, no matter what your age and style!
Date: Monday, April 27, 2020 GMT Views: 1384
Favorited:4
Thank you so much for introducing me to this amazing woman. She just did not give up! So inspiring! I love that she truly became an artist in her 70s. This encourages me to not give up! Your card is beautiful! I love the dimension you gave your flowers.
Registered: January 11, 2017 Location: Wisconsin summer and Arizona winter Posts: 19734
Tue, Apr 28, 2020 @ 10:32 AM
Susan, this is absolutely beautiful. I love poppies and your card is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that bit of history with us. I am definitely going to check out more about Mary Delany! Another, book for my stack...I love reading about history and biographies.
------------------------------ Judy aka Gracie "Be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Maya Angelou
Registered: January 20, 2016 Location: Freetown, Massachusetts Posts: 31441
Tue, Apr 28, 2020 @ 2:32 PM
I wasn't so sure about this challenge, Susan, but I do love the history lesson! I'm happy with my card though after I embraced it and made it my own (that was the point, right?) I also love your gorgeous card! I love poppies and I love the dimension of these!
Registered: February 23, 2016 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 22902
Tue, Apr 28, 2020 @ 5:27 PM
Those coral poppies look fabulous against the gray bg although I must admit I'm probably most taken by the one that has gone full on burgundy with just hints of the coral.
------------------------------ Linda aka Bubbles
I'm not a Hoarder . . . I'm the Curator of an extensive collection of embellishments!!
Proud Fan Club Member Guest Designer Color Challenge July 2017 Favorites Notification Team
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Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Tue, Apr 28, 2020 @ 11:39 PM
I can't wait for our Library to reopen! I have enjoyed everything I have seen on line, but it will be a treat to hold a book in my hands and see Mary Delany's art. Your card is wonderful Susan and so is this terrific Teaparty. Thank you my friend.
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Registered: August 15, 2007 Location: Twin Cities MN Posts: 50591
Wed, Apr 29, 2020 @ 2:42 PM
Thank you so much for introducing all of us to Mary's art. She's so inspiring and proof that you're never too late to learn something new. Your pieced and shaped poppies are gorgeous! The little piece of German scrap is such a lovely detail. And the bg is perfect....a neutral but very interesting backdrop to those blooms.