2017

We move forward from two successful exhibitions in 2016 in Prague and in the USA to the challenge of an exhibition in the Netherlands in the Autumn. We continue to work on A2 sized pieces in portrait format and will be producing four pieces over the year with the theme of 'Freedom'. An essential part of our art is working in series to a common format which does give us all a framework for our creative endeavours.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Sorrow of the Dendari Warriors

When she was in Ghana in January, Magie introduced me to the man in the art market who does the repairs for all the antique textile buyers. He has bags of old bits of kente, indigo strips and other bits. It is like a treasure trove of pieces and was one of the treats I gave myself before leaving Ghana was to buy a bunch to tide me over in cold Canada.

So, having these glorious bits hanging around,  one Saturday morning I woke up early with an idea. I got all the blues out and started playing with them. I also wanted to incorporate some of the wooden masks I got from the Mali trader, and then the cowry shells and the porcupine quills just seemed to fit. By the end of the day, the piece was complete. I was starving but feeling VERY satisfied. 

 As to the name, the cowry shells made me think of tears, maybe because I was leaving, the Dendari are not an African tribe, though there is a Dendi tribe in Mali, and the warriors are the masks of course.

I have never had a piece go together so quickly. It was a joy to do, and probably my farewell to Africa piece. Now it is on to another journey.
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4 comments:

  1. Unknown14 June 2012 at 06:50

    Fabulous. I just wish I had a place to go to pick up old pieces of indigo dyed fabric. I just love all the rummaging to get the piece I want. It's not the same when they are wrapped in cellophane etc.

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  2. Magie Relph18 June 2012 at 22:45

    Well done Trish - it really does look great (I've been lucky enough to see the real thing folks!) Could you do a close up of at least one of the masks - I'm sure the others would love to see it!
    Gillian - you'll have to come over and rummage through what's left of my pile of strips - no cellophane involved!

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  3. ElaineRM24 June 2012 at 16:56

    This is a great combination of contrasts; soft fabric, hard wood and shells,a lovely play of darks and light fabric, horizontal and vertical stripes. Gives the viewer lots to look at and consider. And the story behind it as well. Altogether, I love it, Trish.

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  4. Frances25 June 2012 at 07:19

    Although I have never been to Ghana, this piece really captures the essence of the markets and the native art. It is absolutely beautiful. I'm learning so much from this group!

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