Monday 15 February 2010

Enter here

Here is my first page in my Walled Garden Journal, it is based on a photograph (below) of one of the glasshouse doors. The distressed paint is a interior designers dream and the knotted rag used to pull the door closed has been there so long it looks part of the door. As this is a A3 book I had to print the photograph on two pieces of ordinary inkjet paper and glued it onto a page prepared with quite thick gesso and tinted ochre.  Before I printed the door I managed to straighten it in photoshop as I had to tilt the camera when taking the picture. 
I am pleased with the photograph, but there was very low light levels and I had not got my tripod with me on this occasion, I also had to stand in an awkward spot. 
In my journal I wanted to use the door as a metaphor for entering the garden - a rather obvious one, but I am not very strong on the poetic statement. I surrounded the door as if were closed and added some graffiti using words I associate with the garden. Here are a couple of details...



By the way that is a fruiting fig on the wall.

I would appreciate your comments. I want to use the photographs to make a strong statement about the place, I have another page ready to post  and just hope I can keep my enthusiasm up.


13 comments:

WrightStuff said...

Gosh, there's something incredibly magical about this! I hope you're going to show the people at Luton Hoo your journal when it's finished - I bet they'll love it.

helena said...

an enticing invitation to come and have a look. i love the door as the front cover and so want to see your other pages. Love how you coloured it and added the graffitti. I now feel all inspired for my day ahead - thanks

Marigold Jam said...

I agree - it's really exciting - I want to open that door and see what's going to be inside. Love it and look forward to seeing more.

Jane

Leenie said...

This is a great beginning. I love the effects you have created and the neutral colors give the whole thing a nice antique look. Excited to see what comes next.

thekathrynwheel said...

It's amazing - I can't quite believe what you have done with a photo. Fabulous! Love the colour, love the graffiti. Kate x

Kirsti said...

This is amazing - absolutely a,mazing - I love it... is it a door at your garden or some other gareden...???xoxo

LAC EMP 2020 said...

Jill,
Keep the enthusiasm up - it shines off the page. The door as a metaphor is a strong one and it only has to resonate with one person - you! The photograph as a stand alone image is wonderful but what you have added to it with the print in the journal is just fabulous.There is a real sense of timelessness and the textures really stand out. Tremendous stuff. Lesley

Virginia said...

Jill this is absolutely gorgeous a fantastic way of using a photo and capturing the essence of the place completely! Can't wait to see your other page!

menopausalmusing said...

What an inspiration that door is! Wow! It works wonderfully in the photo and as an invitation to enter the journal. You are so good with textures..... Looking forward to enjoying the rest of the garden through you.

JP said...

it is gorgous - just what you want to make you open the journal - looking forward to watching it grow

harmony and rosie said...

That is certainly a strong statement. Your work is incredible.

webb said...

This page is so good that it makes me want to crawl in bed and never try to do anything artistic again. Simply wonderful! Hope the enthusiasm just flows and flows!

Unknown said...

I love what you've done with this Jill. It's really beautiful and I love how you have combined the photography and other artwork. I'm starting PWDP soon, and have a few projects like this lined. You have inspired me (again!). thanks Jill.