2009 Wrap up

As 2009 comes to an end I must admit I am happy to wrap up this year and start fresh in 2010.  First, won’t it be much easier to say “twenty-ten” instead of “two thousand nine”?

2009 made me stop,literally, and really look at my life and my future in new ways that were not exactly fun.  My life took on a BIG challenge in February.  My husband fell and crushed his left heel “into corn flakes”, as the Dr described.  After 6 months, 3 sets of crutches, 2 operations, staph infection and countless hours of personal care from me on multiple levels, he is now walking again (with a limp).  The Dr. clarified after-wards that many people, in fact, never walk again after such an injury.  I am glad he waited to give us this tid-bit.

As if this wasn’t enough, we had our house on the market at the same time!  Yes, we were not thinking clear; that is for sure.

We have good news now, an offer maybe on the horizon;  we should know soon.  We have decided to give ourselves a gift of a trip to Mexico for Christmas.  We love to travel to Mexico and this trip will definitely be fun.

As for my work, as always, I have way too many ideas.  Trying to maintain a focus is challenging for me.  I am easily inspired; it doesn’t take much!  Establishing a  discipline is wise; thus, after thinking it over I have chosen a topic to focus on for 2010.

I ACKNOWLEDGE A TEXTILE LOVE INTEREST

Hand stitching au Natural

I have begun my research asking questions about (what I call) ‘PRIMITIVE’ hand stitching.  I have discovered that there are multiple terms that can be used to describe the type of stitching that I am referring to.  Like: Big Stitch, Kantha, Seed Stitch, Mark Making and more.  An artist friend of mine, Alison Schwabe, has expressed interest in this topic.  Read her comments on her blog.

She helped me to refine the search by qualifying the term PRIMITIVE ; to distinguish from FOLK ART.  As with anything, there are associations.  I plan to explore and enjoy the different styles and learn more about the origins.

This “love interest” is not new to me; rather it is an interest that, lurks.  I have been strongly influenced, which surface from time to time, by surroundings and experiences that originated in my childhood birthplace in Arkansas.  Although I did not live there very long the elements of a simple life have left an indelible “birthmark”.  Natural fibers like  homespun fabrics from common everyday sources such as linen and cotton beacon me.  I plan to research, experiment and post regularly at least once per month to report my progress, share links, practice pieces and feature artists.

To kick of my research I would like to share the link for the artist that I think captures the essence of HAND STITCHING and   Jude Hill

Her website titled: Spirit Cloth is awesome.  I cannot get enough of what she is about.  Not only is her art work inspiring but her writing, links and associations are as well.

I know my experiences are regional and not exclusive; the influences of a “simple life”  is international and multicultural.  Given what I have discovered so far, this topic could easily extent well beyond 2010.  The quest could and probably will extend far a wide.  The journey is just beginning and I love DISCOVERY.

New Work

Vintage Wreath

This wreath will document my first attempt primitive hand work.  The hand quilting is evenly dispersed with a large scale stitch.  The design is simple and derived from a traditional  wreath.  The applique is made from painted paper.  The base is homespun layered with painted silk organza.

Wreath Detail

I am actively soliciting input for my research.  I welcome comments that are pertinent as well as general.  Please subscribe or check back to find out how my research develops.

Wrapping up 2009 includes a new focus, new work, new website and hopefully a new home!

I wish you a wonderful holiday and that you find new inspiration in 2010.