You guys who’ve been following this blog for a while know that for each season of the Bravo/Lifetime show Project Runway starting in the fall of 2008, I’ve completed the show challenges at 1:6 scale for Mattel Model Muse dolls. For my final collection in the fall of 2010, I painted unbleached muslin canvases and turned them into dresses.
Since I didn’t cut any of the canvases, once I removed them from the dolls and took out all the stitching, they became paintings again. My goal was to mount the canvases with photos of the dolls wearing them in hope of showing the finished artwork somewhere in Houston. I’m in the process of pinning down a venue now, so I’ve begun the task of framing the work. It has been challenging, but fortunately, I have my in-house Tim Gunn to assist me. In fact, after offering an excellent suggestion today, my Tim–Timothy J. Lambert–left me with the parting words, “Make it work.”
I’ve shot a couple of the framed pieces for today’s 30 Days entry–which is, coincidentally, “Fashion.” My models look a little distorted because I had to shoot down at them to avoid reflections. Two down, twelve to go!
When these pieces are done and exhibited, they will be for sale–prices yet to be determined.
Wow, Becky! The orange is dazzling!
Thanks! Did you see it in person? (Check your photos.)
May I add, “Carry on.”
Come to think of it, those might have been Tim’s words to me before he left. As long as someone said it, I’m good.
Very impressive! Very creative! And a hell of a lot of work. How many more do you have to do?
Thanks! It took more time than I thought it would, but I’d been trying for so long to figure out how to do it, and these frames and Tim’s suggestion finally helped me work it out.
I have thirteen different looks, but I could only find ten of those frames. They were on clearance at Michael’s for a wonderfully low price, and nobody else (including the other Michael’s stores) seems to have them. I’m hoping to find something at least similar for the last three looks.
I’m with David. The orange just pops!!! Of course, I always love your Barbie related posts.
What size are the frames?
I have a “museum” setting on my camera that allows me to shoot at glass without a flash, avoiding the glare. I tried several shots before I thought to use it with Monday’s entry.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy the Barbie posts. The frames are 16×20-inch.
My camera easily shoots without the flash, but the glass reflects whatever’s in front of it. Shooting at angles can help, but as long as something’s hanging in a “noisy” environment, there’ll be some reflection on this kind of glass.
These are great! I can’t wait to see more.
Thanks, Timmy! Here’s a bonus shot just for you.
These dolls’ fashions just happened to use two canvases each. I’m going to have to paint some more “backgrounds” for the other doll shots to keep this effect.
Love the fabrics/paintings!
Thank you so much, Mark!