Degas As Inspiration

From September 16 through October 18, 2009, the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls is mounting a citywide art and music event celebrating the genius of Edgar Degas.  The members of ARTAA, the fiber arts group to which I belong, are joining in the festivities by creating an exhibit using selected works of Degas as inspiration.  The painting chosen as a theme by most of the members is "Dancer With Red Stockings," since this work is owned by the Hyde Museum, and the interpretations promise to be exciting and wonderfully diverse in style (check out Pat Spillane's blog).

I chose a different direction for my entry into this challenge, after doing a little internet research into many of Degas' works.  Since my fiber art seems to be more representational than abstract or literal, I decided to portray flowers as dancers and created "Wallflowers #4: Deux Danseuses (Hommage à Edgar Degas)," shown above.  For those whose French may be a little rusty, the title translates to "Two Dancers (A Tribute to Edgar Degas)" -- special thanks to ARTAA member Francelise Dawkins for helping me to phrase it perfectly.  I was inspired by Degas' painting, "Deux Danseuses," finished in 1899, and the idea that ballet dancers and flowers both display graceful movement and artistic form.  I hope you agree.

Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog -- your kind words are so welcome and always inspirational to me.