Way back in the 70s (colours rather give it away, don't they?) Phil was whiling away many a pleasant evening in the making of this beauty. I can see him now, sprawled across the living room floor, long blond hair a-flowing, hooking away to the stereophonic accompaniment of Led Zeppelin, or the Who, or Yes ...
It was, mind you, just a brief flirtation with yarn. A passing affair. It didn't mean anything. Metal is, and always will be, his medium, his mistress, his truly beloved. He remains captivated by her malleability, density, lustre. Enthralled by the joys of shaping, soldering, welding. Bewitched by the promise of alchemy. I'm surprised he didn't name one of his children Titanium, or Niobium, or Monel ...
So back to the rug. What is it exactly? Any guesses? Whenever I gaze upon it, it transforms into some gigantic abstract insect, wings humming for take-off. But no, that fiery ovoid is not some weird compound eye, but a headlight. Citroen DS, of course. See the reflections on the bonnet?
The design was taken from a photograph, which he enlarged and hand drew on to canvas using the old-school - but ever reliable - grid method. Having never hooked a rug myself, I made some enquiries about technique:
Me: "Must have been tedious cutting the wool into all those exact same lengths."
Him: "I made up a little tool."
Me: "Of course you did ..."
And so, all these years later, it hangs in our shed, patiently awaiting its place in the house.
I've become very fond of it. And in the evenings, bathed in the valencia orange glow of that fantastic plastic 70s lamp (Pomona markets - bargain), it .... well it just makes me happy - orange has that effect.
- For more of Phil's amazing (non-woolly) body of work, visit philwarddesigndotcom.
- For more about real men doing all things crafty, visit Paul at dudecraftdotcom.
- For more about the goddess of Citroens, there are endless stunning images everywhere on the web. Go forth and google.
3 comments:
Why haven't I noticed it! Or have I been too polite to wander over to that corner of the shed. That is very unlike ME. Knowing that it is Phil's and that he once had long blond hair and that the rug was done in the 70's makes it much more likable. Nothing quite like a story to help things along. I think that is a compliment but I can't be sure.
Mmm, I always loved that one. The bonnet reflections inspire a revery similar to Escher's 3 worlds sketch.
...I thought I was almost named Citronella, actually.
Is this truth or myth?
Ps:The piquancy of your points fly like a shuttlecock, as ever, Wendy!
Citronella - love it!!!! Hey, it's not too late for deed poll J...
Yes, it is quite wonderfully dynamic and dimensional - which fails to come across in the photo.
Purl Baa:
Yes, very unlike you not to notice wool work.
The back-handed compliment is, however, very like you.
And I think that is a compliment, but I can't be sure ...
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