"All That Remains"
Several months ago, I came across a vintage printer's tray type case drawer. In its original condition, the oak drawer measured 32"x16", containing over 90 compartments!
To make it more manageable, I cut it into three equal parts. It worked great, but still, this one has 35 compartments!
The back is covered with a map of the United States followed with a layer of pattern tissue to mute the colors of the map (love the lines). Next I began to fill the tiny compartments . . . each one contains bits and pieces of this and that, each one tells an entire story on its own.
If you would like to see the details of each compartment, click on the image to enlarge. See if you can find: the little green monkey, the '72 toy Volkswagen, the 3 tiny brass Buddhas, the 3-minute egg timer, and the Queen of Hearts.
To finish the shadow box, I added a vintage brass drawer pull, and glass cover. The pieces is ready to hang on the wall or sit on a stand.
une valise diplomatique et plein de billets... attention à la douane...:)))
ReplyDeletemcerci Elfi!
DeleteHa! Ha! Je n'ai jamais pensé à celui!
Love the detail! I've seen these, but always thought that they were too large--GREAT idea to cut it down!!
ReplyDeletethanks diane
Deleteyou are right, the whole drawer seemed daunting, so did the cut down version at first.
but what was great fun to do was finding the perfectly sized little bits for each compartment, that's what became the challenge.
rebeca- its great! I love both the front and the back -a wonderful collection of items...I have a printers tray as well - its my next project - not going to cut it down, but going to remove some of the dividers so have big and small compartments...you've inspired me!
ReplyDeletethanks amy!
Deleteglad you liked this piece. i have never worked in so many and such small compartments, it was fun to do though.
you are brave to do the whole thing . . . enlarging the compartments is a good thing to do. can't wait to see your finished piece
Hi Rebeca,
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! It's a bit like a charm bracelet! I can imagine the fun part (and challenging, too)--like you said- was filling each space.
As I thought about the charm-bracelet idea, I also thought the shape is like a brief-case, and how we 'tote our baggage and memories along w/ us. Imagine a mannequin-hand extending into the handle w/ cubbies filled w/ responsibilities, and little non-sensical ephemera--(Heart in Her Hand!)
Thank you for sharing. I'm so admiring of your work.
carol!
ReplyDeletea charm bracelet? what a great idea! that's what i love about this art medium, the same things mean something different to each viewer. the suitcase to carry our memories is very descriptive as well.
thanks for stopping by!
How I would love to fill such a box(es)...a wonderful mixed media piece worthy of an art show!
ReplyDeleteFollowed over from French Country Cottage to see the type drawer - I have a collection of them that I change out from time to time. What do I love most? The fact that you finished the back beautifully. I am definitely following you and will return soon - I see several posts that I am interested in. Come visit if you have time.
ReplyDeleteDistressed Donna Down Home
I love this. I have worked with tissue paper a lot, but never thought of laying a sheet over something to mute the image. Beautiful.
ReplyDeletekaren!
Deletethanks so much for stopping by and leaving such a nice comment. and, yes - i figured out a while ago that the pattern tissue not only 'mutes' the under color, but i love the lines and arrows and words that are on patterns, don't you?
I also saw (without enlarging the photo) the words "GO Happy HOLE." It struck me as funny when I read it. Of course, I was so impressed with everything you found to add to the holes/cubbies. This is one super piece with tons of symbolism and loads of character.
ReplyDeletehow funny! that is exactly what i saw when i stepped back from the piece and was working on a title!
DeleteB&E -thanks for stopping by !
Wonderful - as usual! I am rather fond of printer trays myself ;). I love your use of compartments. My favorite part (of course) is the map on the back :)
ReplyDeletethanks Heidi!
Deletenice hearing from you! you've made my day!
this tray has a history you know, and you are part of the story. i will send you a note directly to remind you.
Love this, love your blog. I'm trying to do a catch up of favourite blogs and I've just spent a long time reading back through yours. Such a pleasure to see what you make and how you do it. You're very talented Rebeca.
ReplyDelete