MAZE08
©2012 Craig Ashby
7.75” x 9.375”
Collage

MAZE08, eighth in the MAZE Series, sees a bit of Georgia O’Keeffe, model Iris Strubegger, a sideways cityscape and a rug. Once again the plotter/cutter ate the bottom two of this piece. The two outer frames of 3 and 4 are replacements. Plus bits and pieces here and there.

At first I was clinging to the notion of perfection. Four crops. Four cuts. Four finished pieces. But as the plotter/cutter continues to flummox this process adaptation is key.

Along the way I have learned a few things. The cutting blade housing must be cleaned between each cut. Including this tiny hole that holds the blade. Which doesn’t make the cleaning easy.

Now I just need to solve the problem with the tack of the cutting mat. It loses a bit of tack after every cut. Tack is essential to success.

Overall this piece has some wonderful moments. The O’Keeffe is so wonderful. How the edge of the house almost lines up with the maze is perfectly flawed. Iris shines and so does the carpet. I will have to return to these carpets.

I know all this is a bit academic and highly repetitive but I love the idea. It’s more about the process and learning my relationship within the confines of the game. It’s a test of endurance.