I’m on holidays and have been starting projects I’ve been dreaming about starting.
I saved a lot of machine and tool catalogues from my dad’s shop and have started working on collages of these by cutting out the machines, which will be mixed with flowers from a book I found in a box on the side of the road and Victorian-y ladies cut from a scented gift book I bought years ago (yup, that’s a thing!). I like the juxtaposition of these materials but also I think it’s working with ideas of what we find endearing and nostalgic. Construction sites and industrial equipment make me feel wistful, so putting these images up against images that are supposedly supposed to make one feel wistful is an interesting idea to me.
I also went and took a lot of instant photos in Bonnybrook, the industrial area where my dad had his shop. This area is so so beautiful and fills me with so many memories of childhood and sunny days and time spent with my dad at the shop or nearby at places land adventure and creativity and all that good stuff. I’ve been dreaming of getting out there on a clear blue day to take these photos, and yesterday was the day! Still deciding what to do with these next… but the core, first part is done.
Next, I’ve just loaded up my Diana Mini camera which Julya gave me years ago with a new roll of film and am taking it along to the mountains tomorrow. I feel kind of nervous about it—the last roll on which I tried to double exposures was way too washed out so I’m hoping this time to get some more promising images. I’ve done some reading, adjusted my settings, and think I’m now equipped with some better knowledge to shoot with this cute little camera. I found this article really helpful, in particular.
Will post about all these more as they progress! Please do cross your fingers for me and my roll of film.
One thing I haven’t done this holiday is writing. I think I’m just to jazzed to get these more time consuming things started, especially the Bonnybrook photos, since it’s hard to do so during a regular work week. Writing often feels easier to slot into narrower time allowances. Also maybe right now I’m just feeling more crafty and like doing things with my hands. It’s fun. I’m feeling hopeful about all these things strewn about the house and I’m having fun.