Stars of Everything (for Thornton Dial)
everything
is shining inside
close my eyes
and the world
explodes into forever
silence that shouts “yes!”
Thornton Dial, a wonderful assemblage artist from Alabama, died in January. He was always making things, from childhood on, and was employed for many years as a metalworker. His later years were entirely devoted to his art, which incorporated recycled materials and often dealt with political themes. Anything he found that had been discarded was an inspiration for his creations.
“Stars of Everything” is one of his more well-known works, and includes metal and plastic cans, clothing, wood, steel, plastic straws, carpet and rope. For my first interpretation, below, I tried to stay closer to the original, but then I decided just to cut out stars from the earth, water and sky and growing things, and ended up with the mandala above. That one reflects more of Dial’s spirit I think.
“Art is like a bright star up ahead in the darkness of the world. It can lead peoples through the darkness and help them from being afraid of the darkness….Art is a guide for every person who is looking for something.”
–Thornton Dial
The poem is another shadorma.
24 responses to “Stars of Everything (for Thornton Dial)”
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- February 16, 2016 -
- March 3, 2016 -
Thank you for the follow 🙂
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Wow! Those look like kaleidoscopes and are really beautiful!
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Thanks Teresa, I like that analogy!
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Wonderful collages, I love the many patterns. Thank you for honoring Thornton Dial. I will do some internet research to learn more.
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Thanks Sharon. Dial had a very interesting and full life.
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What a wonderful tribute. Love your collages.
Thanks for sharing this information. I will look him up online – would love to know more about him and his work.
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Thanks Corinne. Happy also to introduce this artist to others.
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I think you were right to break away from the original. Your second version is tremendous!
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Thanks Jane. I often find it takes more than one attempt to get the feeling I want, and I was pleased to find it in the second one. And thanks for the reblog, and introducing me to the shadorma form!
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It’s a treat getting to know your work 🙂
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Likewise!
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Reblogged this on Jane Dougherty Writes and commented:
Bright cheerful way to start the week. Plus a shadorma!
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Wow! Light us up, Kerfe! Show us how it’s done, my friend! Amazing once again, both lines and images. 💜💜💜
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Thanks Laura! (as always).
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Wowza! Amazing once again. Your style is so thought provoking and inspiring and thanks for introducing us ( or at least me) to new forms of art and artists!!
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There is no end to what people can come up with when they are making things. It always gives me ideas. Just passing them on!
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I love this!
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Thank you!
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They are all beautiful!
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thanks!
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Stunning! Beautiful pictures. They’ve certainly brightened my morning.
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Thanks Michael, happy to brighten your day!
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