Secrets of the Silk Road
Renee Ugrin, USA
| Secrets of the Silk
Road; Renee Ugrin, Damascus, Oregon, USA,
July 2011 The journey of the Silk Road is the story of exchanges. Not only the attainment of a luxurious and mysterious fabric; but perhaps the endeavor of a lifetime. This venture, which travels through what is now over 70 provinces, states and countries, each with their own customs and cultures. The traveler is provided with an opportunity to participate, communicate, develop an appreciation for, reflect upon and enjoy the discovery of the variety of customs, culture and the arts. This book was made with materials that were already in my studio. The adventure begins this way, using the local materials on hand, then venture out for the experiences. This book has many Art History references, as over time many ideas are traded, refined and transformed, an aspect of this journey I find endlessly fascinating. My book follows the ancient trail, from Chang'an and the Great Wall to the bountiful Tigris River valley, it highlights some of the more recognisable landscapes of high deserts and lofty mountains. There are coded scrolls with directions and small books with clues about making silk and travel along the route. There is a compass as one might find in ancient China, and a hint about which camel might be the best choice for following a caravan. There are embroidered caterpillars and designs from the jackets of the clay army. All of these things are worth the while of a good discussion at the end of the trail, in Baghdad, at al-Mutanabbi Street, to share with fellow travelers and in this sharing is where the great treasures are found. It is here where another fine cloth is woven, one of ideas, stories of adventure, of courage, of creativity and the arts. Dimensions: Secrets of the Silk Road is 8" tall, 41/4" wide and 21/4" deep. It is wrapped in a blank cotton canvas with a multicolour silk tie. Medium: Arches cover 250 gsm, 100% cotton paper, acrylic base with ground garnet, watercolours, acrylic paints, printmaking blocks, cotton papers, various colours for the landscapes, variety of papers for the many small components, plastics, archival glue, embroidery and beading threads. www.reneeaugrin.com MiraVistaStudioArts.blogspot.com |