Phyllis Brody

Needlecraft

This work is  created with yarn and thread in embroidery, crochet, weaving, and mixed methods. The process is quite meditative and absorbing.  Hours go by- each pieces takes months to create.  I start with a blank surface and the work develops intuitively; each step leads to the next.  Although I have a general idea of where I'm going when I begin, the color and composition emerge and lead the way.

Artist Books

My Artist books include Altered books ( book objects made from all or part of existing books,) Handmade books, Abecedaria and books incorporating different materials and made into other art forms. Some are dreamlike and poetic and others are more like essays on a particular topic.  Books are such an intimate art form that asks the view to become personally involved. 

Artist Books-Altered Golden Books

This sub-set of my Artist Books start as cast-off, familiar, children's Golden Books (note the gold or silver color spine which I have retained.)  The size and shape of the books is conducive to non-linear storytelling on many diverse topics and formats. 

Collage and Assemblage

Works created with paper and made or found objects including Artist books, construction, encaustic embedding, deconstructed books, and three dimensional objects.  I have been inspired by Joseph Cornell, Picasso and surrealism.  The idea of assembling parts into a cohesive whole is very powerful on many levels.  There is always an element of surprise when it works.  

Commentary


All of my work is inspired by ideas, thoughts and emotions.  This grouping  consists of pieces specifically instigated by my reaction to world and national events past and present.  

Paintings

I love to work with color and composition and to experiment with different types of paint,  often mixing it  with pastels, graphite, and collage.   This selection includes my painted books, encaustic painting, poured paint, and reverse painting. Painting  requires me to be bold and "just do it" without regard for the end result when I begin.  It's a journey.  

Story Quilts

I have a different mindset when working on these pieces.  They are created slowly and quietly and often involve many long hours to complete.  They are ideal for telling non-linear, suggestive, hints of stories that appeal to subconscious and dreamlike state ,