Bethany Piece #1

July 3rd

1.Artist Influence

Which artist did I draw inspiration from for this piece, and how did I interpret their techniques, themes, or forms in a way that feels unique to my own practice? I was inspired by artists Lorenzo Nanni and Hiné Mizushima. I enjoy their use of beadwork, embroidery, and bright colors. I like how Hine Mizushima combines different parts of nature to create new specimens. Lorenzo Nanni likewise makes creatures with lots of embellishments and color. Both display them like specimens, but I don’t think I want to include that in my practice.
Hine Mizushima “Heart Moray EelLorenzo Nanni “Stapelias”

2.Technical Growth

What new techniques or materials did I explore in this sculpture? How did I push beyond what I already knew, and where do I see evidence of growth in my craftsmanship? I worked on embroidery and beading onto felting in this project. There was some trial and error in this, but once I found some needles that worked well for me, it was easier to execute. I used yarn and loose felting to try and make some texture and volume to the bird. I think they blend well. I improved a lot in using a base structure and having strong pieces to put together. My last felted work fell apart a few times, but this one stuck together well.

3.Material Relationship

How did I balance fiber with any other materials I incorporated? Did I consider texture, weight, and structure in how these materials interact?

I am very pleased with the finished product. The roving ended up being a nice match to the flower I was referencing. I think that the dark purple added nice shadows to the mix. 

4.Conceptual Development
What idea, feeling, or narrative am I communicating with this work? How clearly does the sculpture reflect that intention?

I am not sure this artwork communicates what I want it to, but perhaps if there were more pieces involved, it could create more of a narrative. I think it needs to be more obvious in the flower elements, because right now it just looks like a pretty bird.

5.Craft and Detail
Did I demonstrate care in construction and finishing details? Did I include a complete color inventory and think intentionally about scale, stability, and presentation?

I think the finished product turned out very detailed. I think if I was to continue working on this, I would make something for the bird to perch on, because it looks stuck to the ground. I also think it would help with keeping the bird upright, while it stands up just fine, I would be concerned about it getting knocked over easily if displayed. The colors ended up matching the original flower very well, and I was pleased with the size getting to be roughly life sized for a sparrow.

6/23/25. 8:44am

 For project one I am still working on constructing the individual parts to piece together. I created my base and have started covering it with roving. I am hoping to start on beadwork soon! I found some clear and blue beads downtown that I think will look very cohesive with the color inventory. I am still deciding on color choices for the  body of the bird, but I think bluish purple will look best  

I am nearly done with my project now. I added beading to the face, wings, and tail. I experimented a little with how to add embroidery and yarn to the felting and it worked very well! The looser threaded materials were harder to add on, but I was able to sew those in place. I found a scrap from a fake flower for the beak. I also found some beads to use as eyes, though I had to felt around them to make them look plausible to be in a skull. I really enjoyed adding the beading. I think I could do a little better planning out patterns for that part next time to make it more cohesive, but now I know some different techniques of getting them on and hiding the knots. 

Jun 16 3:18pm

Reply from Bethany Lee RussellOne of my favorite passages from the Bible is Matthew 6:25-32 because Jesus tells us to cast our anxieties on the Lord because he will provide for us like he does sparrows and clothe us like he does lilies (most likely meaning wildflowers). I wanted to combine these as sparrows made of wildflowers. I wanted to start with the columbine version, because it seems the most feasible. I will use the columbine as my color inventory.

One of my favorite passages from the Bible is Matthew 6:25-32 because Jesus tells us to cast our anxieties on the Lord because he will provide for us like he does sparrows and clothe us like he does lilies (most likely meaning wildflowers). I wanted to combine these as sparrows made of wildflowers. I wanted to start with the columbine version, because it seems the most feasible. I will use the columbine as my color inventory.

I was inspired by artists Lorenzo NanniLinks to an external site. and Hiné MizushimaLinks to an external site. because of their use of beadwork, embroidery, and bright colors. I want to use beads and embroidery floss to add texture and pattern to my piece.

I will need to make an amateur for the bird’s body and use wire to make the feet, wing, and tail. I will use beads for the eyes, and I think I will use sculpy for the beak. I think I will cover the body with flat felting and add loose roving and yarn to make feather textures.