Behind the Mask 1

Behind the Mask 1

It has been fun integrating my Mom, Judy Disman’s “mini-masks” into a series of my handmade books.

The series is comprised of small (approximately 4.5 x 6 x1-1.5″), single and multiple signature books,

made of repurposed board, paper, jewelry parts, and raffia,

as well as hemp cord, linen thread, and Eco-fi felt (made of recycled plastic bottles.)

The bound edges are inspired by

medieval clothing and lacing,

and of course…color.

The books tie together, and the pages are blank…all the better of stashing secrets!

We are the Vessel

We are the Vessel

This post is dedicated to my Mom, the ceramicist Judy Disman, for whom I took these pictures!

On a  recent visit to The Hammer Building at LACMA (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art),  while looking for a small photography show, my husband Mark and I stumbled upon   “Art of the Ancient near East”.  Taken with the wonder, elegance, dignity and whimsy of the ceramic, metal and wood carvings, vessels, and sculptures, we wandered the exhibit, and look forward to returning. These pieces are part of LACMA‘s permanent collection. We hope You enjoy them too!  Please click on ALL  OF THE LINKS, for further information.

Composite Ibis figure. Images of the  Ibis show up often in ancient Egyptian art, and  can be  entrancing…riveting.

Another view of the Ibis: Ibis Processional Standard

I will have to revisit this incredible painted bird…which looks like a wise owl… and photograph its label. I couldn’t find any other information on it from the LACMA site.   Despite  its color… it exudes dignity, seriousness, and a silent kind of gravitas.

Head of a Cat

 A Word on Early Pottery, from the Curator:

“Pottery was invented toward the middle of the seventh millennium BC in the Near East, and it is one of the characteristic elements of the civilizations that emerged from the Neolithic period. Pottery, more than any other medium, was soon used to provide an avenue for artistic expression. The decoration on the ceramics varied in different cultural communities over time, and distinctive styles began to emerge on pottery as early as the fifth millennium BC. Ceramics are also indicators of socioeconomic contacts and cultural boundaries, and the diffusion of pottery styles may reflect the expansion of cultures. LACMA’s collection of pre- and proto-historic Iranian pottery includes examples of the distinguished pottery styles and forms from the fifth millennium BC to the Late Iron Age period that ends around 800 BC.”
– Ali Mousavi, Assistant Curator of Ancient Iranian and Near Eastern Art, 2008

Jar with Boots! Like many of the pieces, this piece is  “anthropomorphized“, which adds to its intrigue.  Is it possible for a work to be both serious and whimsical? Dignified and fun? Are the boots tongue in cheek, or some kind of cultural reference?  Do only the ancient Iranian/Persian makers know for sure?

Painted, and still vibrant after close to three thousand years!

This birdlike vessel looks to be different hues in different lights. Metamerism? it reminds me of bird-like pitchers with beak-like spouts that my Mom, the potter Judy Disman made.

Follow this link to see the front of this piece!

Sporting “juglets”

These pieces, so magically  alive, seems to interact within their case. They interact on  the level of shape, form, space and color, the elements of visual art, of course, but also as beings and  personalities, still retaining their strong spirit ofter millennia. They are ancient, yet timeless, and have much to offer us still.  Probably, they always will.