in progress

I'm working on an auction piece for Japan. Originally, the coordinators, Jenny Doh and Lynne Perrella had  suggested that we interpret the Japanese flag, and a sampler idea instantly came to my mind. Here's my start; some vintage linen with a crushed velvet red circle hand sewn on. My interpretation of the Japanese flag. I love it as is, simple and true. I'm thinking of finding an antique frame to put it in as is, but another voice inside my head is suggesting that I embroider a white cross (you know, the symbol of the red cross) in the center of the red circle and leave it like that or also add some red and white bits and bobs to the entire piece to create a sampler similar to these I made so long ago:

So what's your opinion? Go crazy and sew special finds all over it sampler style?Just the white cross in the center of the flag?  Or find a special frame and a creative way to hang it (special matting, etc.)???? What say you? Hmmmmmm???

Comments

[judy Wise]

I think white is the symbol of death in Japan. Also, I found this:
http://adoholik.com/2011/03/16/help-japan-white-cross/

Love everything you do. xo

[Simone]

I love it quite simple threfore I'd sew with different reds on the red centre and with different whites on the white part. It gives some structure ut is still simple.

[Yolandé vdL]

I vote for "as is" in a vintage frame.
Classic and beautiful x

[Colette]

Your initial idea is the one I would choose. The circle of crushed velvet, framed. Powerful in its simplicity. As you say, simple and true.

[Jenny Petricek]

What a wonderful idea! I really love the stand-alone simplicity of the red circle, and how it's been created with such an elegant fabric as velvet. I think it's a beautiful tribute to the Japanese flag, as well as the rich, vibrant texture of their culture's art (such as you see in their gorgeously-embellished kimonos, handmade papers, etc.)

I'm wondering...would there be a way to lightly incorporate some text in the background, written in English or Japanese characters? Maybe the text could just be something repetitive like the date of the earthquake/tsunami or a specific word signifying hope...or more literary, like a brief eulogy to the victims or a message of hope to the survivors? I don't think the text should be created in a dark color...something light and ethereal that would add some detail to the background in such a subtle way that you'd have to walk very close to the piece to even know it's there.

[Carolyn]

I like the patchwork frame around the embroidery piece in the top photo. Could you do the same around the Japanese flag representing the world coming together in support. Corny? Not literally flags or anything...maybe one color in different patterns/textures, hopeful colors, mourning colors, more red...
love your work.

[Dawn Dutton]

I love it.

[Judy Brown]

In the face of your talent, I feel reluctant to make any comments other than.. Great work!
I do like the idea of text in the background, in white, or circling the center. At first I thought of a red rectangle moved into the lower edge of circle, with a tiny white cross... looking as if it's just sitting within..(as a helping hand).

[Kathy McCreedy]

I vote for Simone's idea, should you feel the need to embellish this piece further... your journal pages are great fun, and you're right... it's a process and a journey and there is no right way or wrong way, just YOUR way, so I say HAVE FUN!!! When I have a journal page I'm not crazy about I either leave it alone and come back to it, or gesso over the parts I don't like and, as the British say, "Stay calm and carry on"!
It was fun visiting, via Michelle's site, take care!

[the paris apartment]

It's absolutely perfect as is!