When I started working with the “fluttering pages” idea, I envisioned translating ancient texts and lost languages into visual imagery. Then I began to realize that “old” is a relative term – in American culture much of what I remember from my early life in the 50’s and 60’s is now considered ancient times.
As I’ve worked on these two new pieces, I’ve been thinking about the fragments and details that we remember as we age. I have many vivid recollections about the various places I’ve lived and began jotting down all the addresses I could remember. To my surprise, I remembered many and incorporated these on Book of the Ancients 2: House Numbers.
Jeanne Raffer Beck, Book of the Ancients 2: House Numbers, 2011, 36” x 48”. Acrylic paint, gold leaf, synthetic fabric, fiberglass screening, thread.
Jeanne Raffer Beck, detail of Book of the Ancients 2: House Numbers.
Working on these pieces awoke many memories of place and my Pittsburgh childhood. I began to look at maps of the neighborhoods where I was born and lived until I was 11, when our family moved to New York State. Since my nuclear family is now all deceased, these recollections from my childhood are pleasing and surprisingly vivid.
Jeanne Raffer Beck, Book of the Ancients 3: Memory, 2011, 36” x 36”. Acrylic paint, gold leaf, synthetic fabric, fiberglass screening, thread.
It felt important to imply the recollections of early memories, so I stitched suggestions of recorded memories, perhaps from a personal journal, on some of the individual pages.
Jeanne Raffer Beck, detail of Book of the Ancients 3: Memory.
thank you for the story of how these pieces evolved. it can only be good to review our own "ancient history" in this way. to remember people and places once lived. to me, it often feelis like another person lived back then and did the things I did.
ReplyDeletebeautiful pieces, Jeanne.
The meaning in this piece comes through in the precious and ancient appearance of it. To me, it does convey very important history, and people, and how things change. The gold leaf conveys value and importance. It's a wonderful tribute to your family, Jeanne. It also speaks to the impermanence of life, and the changes we all must face. It's an eloquent piece.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful and meaningful piece of art. And the story, your concept behind it is so interesting. I wish I could see it in real!
ReplyDeleteHappened upon your blog while surfing the net. I've enjoyed reading about your work (and looking at it). Very lovely and thought-provoking. Thank you.
ReplyDeletebest from Tunisia,
nadia
Thank you for the excellent detail views and information. These pieces are so rich.
ReplyDelete