I'm currently working on a plaque inspired by the Jewish tradition of the Ketubah. This interpretation will be constructed from paper and masonite and painted with acrylic paint. Masonite is a good support in a mixed media project involving paper because it is stable and resists changes in temperature and humidity. The outer tiles represent the values of the married couple. For the tiles, the couple has combined the Buddhist concept of the Noble Eightfold Path, the eight practices that lead to enlightenment, and the Victorian use of flowers to convey meaning. They selected flowers to represent each of the 8 practices. In the center of the plaque, will be a circle that was signed by each guest at the couple's October wedding. The wedding vows will surround this circle of signatures.
Here are some pictures of the progress. The first image is a concept sketch of the final piece. The second is of the masonite construction, built by Dick Toone of Living History Shop, with multiple coats of primer. The final image shows a corner close up with the light blue base coat. In this image there is a removable center tile which I've pulled up slightly so you cans see it. After the tiles are painted, I can attach the paper of vows to the center panel. This will allow me to get an exact fit. More images to come.
