For Week 2 of our Anything Goes/Performing Arts challenge theme at Art With No Boundaries, we are working once again with amazing images of Anna May Wong created by CS Designs. The more I learn about Anna May Wong, the more smitten I become. Anna May was a film actress from the '20s and -30s. She was the first Chinese American actress in Hollywood and because of that, had a difficult trail to blaze. She was known for her superb acting, her beauty, and her sense of style. She was also known for her challenges to the prejudices and restrictions of the times.
This piece tells part of Anna May's story. The foundation is a bamboo placemat which I combined with paper parasols, Chinese coin charms, and butterflies to represent the Asian roles which were the only ones Anna May was allowed to play. The image of Anna May is coloured with Prismacolor pencils with the exception of her dress. Green metallic watercolour was used on it to create the sheen of fine Asian silk. Paper with Asian symbols was pieced to serves as the background for her image.
Anna May became frustrated with the roles that she was offered in Hollywood so she travelled to Europe to make films and act on stage. The guest ticket with her initials symbolizes that travel. The filmstrip, also from CS Designs and printed on transparency, shows her first love which was film with the number 1 indicating her role as the first Chinese American actress. The black feather represents the glamour of Hollywood and the fashion icon she became.
The drama queen sign is another of Chris' designs for the performing arts package. I wanted it to look like the marquee sign outside of a theatre with the bling imitating the bright lights. Finally, the destiny charm and the key were added because Anna May inserted herself into the film industry at the age of 9 by hanging around movie sets and begging to act. She felt this was her destiny and the key to her happiness. What a remarkable woman and fascinating life story!
I've really enjoyed learning a little about Anna May Wong. The determination on her face in this image really reflects her attitude in her life. Love it! I really hope you will join our challenge this week at Art With No Boundaries either in the Anything Goes or in the Performing Arts categories. Besides the awesome prizes available, I just love to see where your creativity takes us.
Thanks for visiting. Be sure to check out the rest of the DT's projects. A-MAZ-ing!
Life is good; so is art.
Bonnie
Absolutely stunning! Your Asian elements work so well together and your design has told so much of the story of Anna in this amazing piece of art.
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed learning about Anna May, too. Your project is wonderful not only in design, but how it tells her story. Love how you tied the green and orange umbrellas to the colors you used in her image. A-MAZ-ing!!!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutley stunning creations you have made and such a great way to tell her story with your words and all the details you added! =)
ReplyDeleteHugs, Elenor
Beautiful!!! I love the way you have told some of Anna May's story through this piece. The design, colours and elements that you have used make it an exceptional piece of Art work:o)
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!!! I love the use of your drink umbrellas...I have a stash of those and only think about them for a beach theme, but they are PERFECT here! I love the background and your image....this is a wonderful project!
ReplyDeleteYour card is fabulous! I love all the layers and the Asian theme!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, This is just so amazing. I love every little detail you have added and that you have made it all so special to Anna May Wong. It was also nice that you shared a little about her with your readers. This a beautiful piece and I love it more every time I see it.
ReplyDelete:) Chris / CS Designs