52 Ways to Look at the River, Update 6

Weeks 1 - 40, 52 Ways to Look at the River

  I am up to week 40 in my year long, self directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.  Every week I travel to a locale along the Susquehanna River and take a picture.  That image provides the inspiration for a fiber art panel.  The panels are 6" x 12", and are mainly needlefelted with wool and silk, with added detailing by stitch and applique, and occasionally beadwork. .  In the photo above they are informally pinned on a foam board; the final presentation will be different.  At this point I am leaning towards doing a triptych.

Here are the panels I have made since the last update:

Week 33, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 34, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 35, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 36, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 37, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 38, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 39, 52 Ways to Look at the River

Week 40, 52 Ways to Look at the River

So, what have I learned since the last update?

*Traveling for the photo shoot each week is a Big Commitment.

*Luckily, the rewards of traveling each week and making the corresponding panel are huge.  Even though I've lived near the Susquehanna for most of my life, and frequently hike nearby, I am gaining a new perspective and appreciation for its beauty.

*I continue to be very thankful for the efforts of the landowners and all the volunteers who work to ensure that the river, the trails, and the overlooks are so accessible to the public. It's a world-class resource, and it's right in my backyard.

*There's a natural arc in art making, for myself and many others, starting with the excitement of the idea, absolute panic on how to execute it, soldiering through the tricky bits, and ultimate triumph at having produced something that comes close to the vision.  It's a long arc for my larger works, but here I am cycling through it each week.  The weekly repetition of the process is honing my approach and building my confidence.

*I should treat myself to more blue silks.

This past week I traveled to Pinnacle Overlook, an iconic and very recognizable spot, and the scene of my first Lancaster County hike many decades ago.  There's a huge rock outcropping that provides a view upriver:

 And shows off the graceful curve leading into Lake Aldred:

 I've often clambered out onto the edge of those rocks, but this trip I was by myself, the day was damp and dreary, and there was no one around to hear me if I misstepped, so, discretion being the better part of valor,  I took my inspiration photos from the safer, fenced area:

 For anyone following along intently at home, here's a snapshot of signage that shows the area.  I've been to most of the highlighted spots on my quest so far.  Pinnacle crossed one of the last "must-haves" from my list, so I'm footloose and fancy free about my next destinations.  Stay tuned!

You can track back this project by clicking on the "52 Ways to Look at the River" tab at the top.  I also invite you to follow along each week on your platform of choice:
Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/suerenostudio
Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/suereno
Tumblr: http://suerenostudio.tumblr.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/suereno/
Instagram: sue_reno_studio

As always, thanks for reading and commenting!