I made this jolly little painted cardboard wagon twenty years ago. It was a summer 'homework' project before starting my graphic design degree - you wouldn't think to look at it, that I was in the throes of the loneliest, most miserable part of my life and waking up with tears on my cheeks. 
With two decades since of hindsight, I might have been unconsciously wishing an escape vehicle to a happier place. But I did enjoy making it and it took my mind off Other Things. Under the bonnet... 
...there is a rather unique full working engine. 
It has become more battered over the years and I almost binned it in a studio tidy-up. 
But I couldn't bear to. I'm glad I didn't, beaten up and wonky as it is. 
27 comments:
actually..... I do think there are some things that should never be thrown away.......
what an intriguing little creation....
What a wonderful creation! Isn't it funny how we sometimes produce wonderful things when we are in a slough of despond (oops, sorry, went a bit literary there!) I rather think that if you ever said on your blog that you were going to get rid of it, you would have a very long queue wanting it!!
What a delightful little thing! So glad you didn't bin it. I have a piece made and discarded, post-degree, by my son's then-student girlfriend, now a wonderful jeweller (and no longer his girlfriend, sadly), and am treasuring it for the day when she sees sense and wants it back to keep.
Wow! Looks like something the Top Gear crew might put together on one of their challenges. I really enjoy finding the odd sketch or model from years ago.
Don't bin it. It's gorgeous!
I drew a strange man with a pizza, can't remember why and Terry ticked me off for mounting it wrong!
Especially love the engine.
xx
Oh Gretel!
I love it!
Of course :)
x
It's a great little wagon - never throw it away!
I'm so pleased you kept it to share.
What an apropos metaphor for that time, it seems. I'm glad you have it, so you could show it to us. It's very nice.
Glad you didn't bin it, it's delightful.
Gald you didn't bin it, it's delightful. (Blogger's doing soemthing odd on my computer so this may appear twice, sorry!)
Oh Gretel...I am so glad you did not 'Bin it' as you say. It is lovely and it reminds me of the Roald Dahl book 'Danny and the Champion of the World' Danny and his father live in little gyspy wagon. I love the whole thought of living in a tiny colorful gypsy cart. Soon when you are famous, your original art pieces like this will be coveted. I will put money on it!
your friend,
Janet xox
That is just so amazingly clever and beautiful (I want to say just like you, but then you'd never talk to me again, haha!). I actually think you should display it in a glass case or one of those deep box frames.
Occassionaly, I understand the need to escape , hence my love of gypsy waggons and when I was a child I had a horse that lived in my pocket :D
Oh Gretel, what a wonderful wagon,so glad you didn't throw it away.
I'm sure it has been part of some wonderful adventures,it just oozes fun and excitement.
Speaking about adventures,how is Marjorie and has she taken you on any Autumn picnics lately?
It has a magical look, like a circus wagon!
PG, don't you dare bin that vehicle ... it obviously can do time travel!
How's the new bicycle going? Of course as a greedy visitor I am hoping for a late summer/early autumn video. Well...this fan can be a bit demanding.
The air has definitely made that subtle change from summer to fall here in NY. Keeping to the vehicle theme, on the subway train system it is no longer quite so steamy hot waiting for a train on the platform. Think that budget cutbacks have definitely lengthenened the waiting time between trains though.
I currently transcend this pain by burying my head in the new David Mitchell book, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, and time travel to old Japan.
xo
What an adorable contraption. Perhaps it was part of your journy to a happier place.
I can imagine it parked outside
Noddy or Big Ears house.
I'm so glad you didn't throw it out either. The details are just wonderful, especially under the hood and the concertina bit in the middle.
What a whimsical little engine, gaily painted like a gypsy caravan, right down to the "working parts". One wouldn't guess that it came from a difficult time in your life (hate to think of that, and glad that you are in better times now), but may I say that it shows your strength, that you could create your way through hardship by making beautiful things that add to the creative good in the world.
Please find a carpenter and manufacture it so I can have one.
That is priceless. I'm glad you didn't rid of it either :) Not just for it's lovely quirkiness but for it's symbolism :) Stay well.
It's gorgeous - thank goodness you didn't throw it out!
And, sorry about Hercules, but isn't Margery adorable? Happy cycling.
Dear Gretel,
It's really nice that you have kept this lovely, vigorous paper wagon! Finding such treasures brings so many emotions, especially if you remember the history or the circumstances of creating them! I, myself, have a few and I try to keep my son's "pieces of art" made at school or at home, for pleasure. This tiny wagon reminds you of a difficult moment in your life, but sharing it with us, you awoke so many p[recious memories... So, thank you!:)
Your lovely old wagon took you to a happier place which is just as it should be. Good for you!
What a magical little train! It carries so many memories and still looks so pretty. I'm glad you're keeping it, there'll never be another quite the same.xx
What a beautiful little wagon - so glad you didn't bin it.
The way i see it this wagon could really take you some place, wonderful=)
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