Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Texas Art of the Covenant


Every good Texan needs a Texas shrine and now I've made mine. This took awhile to put together and it is made of tons of different things that I've found on my treasure hunts.

I found the main body of the piece at a garage sale a few years back here in Oregon. I kept it all this time because I knew eventually I would have a use for it. This may not be the complete list, but the rest of the shrine is made up of, a tin star, sequins, acrylic paint, brass horn, miniature cowboy boot, longhorn head, horse, scorpion, wooden block, cowboy figure, brass candle stand, William Barret Travis signature from the Alamo letter (not real!) wooden ruler and a Mexican bingo card. Did I forget anything? I don't think so.

This is perfect for any Texan who misses home (like me) and wants to have something to salute to every morning (don't forget to face southwest). I may have to keep it though.

The idea is that everything is bigger, grander, gaudier and more spectacular in Texas. The roof of the shrine surpasses the total height of the ruler (Texas is bigger you know). Did you know the Texas capital building is taller than the capital building in Washington?

These pictures aren't the best quality, but they give you an idea anyway. Click on any of them to get a closer view. "Remember the Alamo!"





Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Mexican Hat Dance

I think I'm going to have to get a handle on my obsessive compulsive "treasure hunting" habits. It seems like I can barely refrain from heading down to the top secret headquarters where I shop for interesting pieces for my assemblage almost on a daily basis. Must - stop - now. Too - much - stuff - in - my - studio!

I did run across some interesting things last week. My top find was a Mexican mariachi sombrero, complete with sequins and ornate stitching. I got it for a song (or was it a Cumbia?). Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'm sure something will come to me.

My latest assemblage project, "The Texas Art of the Covenant" is almost finished. Gah! It's taking forever! It needs that special last touch, and I think I know what it is. See you when it's done.