Words, in a new way.

For awhile now I've been mulling the problem of how to use text as a background.  I didn't want it to be easily readable.  For me, words on paintings can be distracting and make the work too specific.  I like for things to be left open to interpretation.  Plus, I can never decide on what word (or words) to use.  But I love the look of text as a graphic element. 

Today, I finally came up with using strips of book pages woven into a little mat.  I'm sure it's been done before, but it was a new idea to me.  With the text broken up and going in all directions, it worked just right!
Combining that background with some cut-outs of my recent watercolors is making me pretty happy.

After all the layers dry over night, I'm going to coat each canvas with a light layer of bees wax to seal everything.  Right now the edges of each section are too distinct.  (Don't know if you can see it well in the photo below, but those heart edges are bugging me.)  The wax always integrates the work in a pleasing way + it's so yummy smelling & fun to paint with.  Can't wait to do that step.  :o)
This technique is spurring a ton of ideas for me.  Between that and what I learn at Art Nest next week, I'm going to be a busy girl!   ♥