Mixed Media Emulsion Transfers

After experimenting in my first computer transfer class followed by a painting class, I became interested in combining the two mediums. I discovered that the layered imagery of contemporary artist Lynne Perrella's assemblages and collages and have a great deal in common with my monoprints from my undergraduate work. Her Jasper Johns-like pieces inspired me to merge my painting and computer transfers in any way that I could imagine. 

During an independent study with Bob Worthy I created a few canvases combining painting and transfers. The most successful one is The Journey Home because it fully incorporates my interests in layering both content and media. This textured canvas combines tea-dyed handmade paper with computer emulsion transfers. This led to a new series based upon this piece. 

The Journey Home, MaryLea Harris, Mixed-Media on Canvas, 15" x 30"

The Journey Home, MaryLea Harris, Mixed-Media on Canvas, 15" x 30"

I also created a series of emulsion transfers with photos of trees I took in the woods behind my home. This series sold at my Path is a Circle show to a private collector in 2006. 

Arboreal Suggestion, MaryLea Harris Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Arboreal Suggestion, MaryLea Harris 

Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Sunrise, Sunset Trees, MaryLea Harris Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Sunrise, Sunset Trees, MaryLea Harris 

Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Transparent Trees 1,  MaryLea Harris Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Transparent Trees 1,  MaryLea Harris 

Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Transparent Trees 2, MaryLea Harris Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Transparent Trees 2, MaryLea Harris 

Emulsion Transfer A/P, 2006 12 " x 12" (Private Collection)

Art Quilt and Sculptural Basket Book

I wanted to create contemporary versions of traditional women's art forms with my quilted wall hanging. Wildwood, and my sculptural basket book, Nest

Wildwood, MaryLea Harris, Emulsion Transfers on Cotton, Linen, 36" x 20"  Machine Stitching, Hand Embroidery, Beading, Branch

Wildwood, MaryLea Harris, Emulsion Transfers on Cotton, Linen, 36" x 20"  Machine Stitching, Hand Embroidery, Beading, Branch

Wildwood is hand-beaded, embroidered, and machine stitched; skills passed down to me by my mother and grandmothers. It hangs from a branch found in the woods where the photographic images were taken. 

Nest, MaryLea Harris, Sculptural Book with Yarn and Altered Tyvek, 8 " x 12" 

Nest, MaryLea Harris, Sculptural Book with Yarn and Altered Tyvek, 8 " x 12" 

The basket form for my Nest book was inspired by my collections of traditional African Zulu Wedding baskets as well as the role of women in building a metaphorical nest in their homes. The shredded pieces of altered Tyvek tied to the outside of the basket and filling the middle have dictionary definitions for various nests and vessels printed on them.