I have a cardboard box in the loft that holds a half finished patchwork quilt, started when I was fourteen, in 1976. There are pieces of my mother's psychedelic dresses, patches from my Laura Ashely phase, snippets of my Nan's frocks. I must dig it out and see if the mice have left it alone. It needs finishing.
As for not being too old - I'm off to do my piano practise as my first lesson is at 3pm tomorrow. I'm 60.
I was having a whinge recently that although I was good at craft (knitting, crochet, embroidery), what I really want to do is Art. But I can't draw, so poor me. Stitch club has completely blown my mind, and I have spent the last three days feeling like a creative person (dare I say artist?).
Your piece today made me think of Anni Albers, who also also subversively infiltrated the spaces denied her (due to her gender). I imagine you know her work and are likely inspired by her. I am always inspired by your work too, Josie. Thank you for this lovely piece. I can't remember ever reading anything by you that didn't leave me feeling enriched.
I’m learning to be an art and writing teacher again. I had to learn how to build a website for my classes and now I have to dust off my teaching books. One lesson at a time. I’m 45. Excited and ready for an adventure!
Very interesting piece. It resonates with me.... the leaving it too late bit and the fact that others are so much further ahead 😁... but I will persevere!
thank you Josie, this really resonates with me too, from my days of sewing doll's clothes when I was young, making my own clothes as a teen and now turning my hand to darning mostly, it's such good therapy on those exhausted days, and visible mending, I'm getting braver, applique over my jeans rip, and embroidered into a flower. Such a good idea to have the box by the bed so you can just pick up a bit. Thank you for the inspiration.
Like all your readers, I too have many of the same problems with disability, but I do work hard, when I can, on painting, drypoint and abstract pastels, So Courage mon brave!
It might not be much comfort, but while we might not say it out loud, many artists are indeed painfully anxious about the the cost of materials. The most expensive element of my work is the specialist paper, and when a print goes wrong I feel physically sick at the money I have just messed up and thrown away, so I do FULLY understand what you mean about squeezing money out of a tube.
Another achingly beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing this. Belated beautiful birthday wishes to you. I love that your son found you such a perfect book. He is very tuned in to what you like. Good for him and good for you for raising him so wonderfully.
What a lovely piece of writing -- as all of yours are. I enjoyed watching your daily progress on the assembly and embellishment of the stitched Advent calendar last month, and it reminded me of the qualities and joy of handwork that go far beyond the finished product, which is wonderful in itself. Thank you, and Happy Birthday!
I have a cardboard box in the loft that holds a half finished patchwork quilt, started when I was fourteen, in 1976. There are pieces of my mother's psychedelic dresses, patches from my Laura Ashely phase, snippets of my Nan's frocks. I must dig it out and see if the mice have left it alone. It needs finishing.
As for not being too old - I'm off to do my piano practise as my first lesson is at 3pm tomorrow. I'm 60.
I was having a whinge recently that although I was good at craft (knitting, crochet, embroidery), what I really want to do is Art. But I can't draw, so poor me. Stitch club has completely blown my mind, and I have spent the last three days feeling like a creative person (dare I say artist?).
Your piece today made me think of Anni Albers, who also also subversively infiltrated the spaces denied her (due to her gender). I imagine you know her work and are likely inspired by her. I am always inspired by your work too, Josie. Thank you for this lovely piece. I can't remember ever reading anything by you that didn't leave me feeling enriched.
Beautiful and very insightful as always J ; I adore your writing and above all your honesty - and, of course, your hunger which certainly matches mine
Also Bon Anniversai for Saturday ❤️ ॐ
So moved by this piece, you astound me in all your endeavours ….light and evermore inspiration and depth always.
I love this so much!
I’m learning to be an art and writing teacher again. I had to learn how to build a website for my classes and now I have to dust off my teaching books. One lesson at a time. I’m 45. Excited and ready for an adventure!
Very interesting piece. It resonates with me.... the leaving it too late bit and the fact that others are so much further ahead 😁... but I will persevere!
thank you Josie, this really resonates with me too, from my days of sewing doll's clothes when I was young, making my own clothes as a teen and now turning my hand to darning mostly, it's such good therapy on those exhausted days, and visible mending, I'm getting braver, applique over my jeans rip, and embroidered into a flower. Such a good idea to have the box by the bed so you can just pick up a bit. Thank you for the inspiration.
Like all your readers, I too have many of the same problems with disability, but I do work hard, when I can, on painting, drypoint and abstract pastels, So Courage mon brave!
Thank you for these inspirational words. And Happy birthday!
I love the Rilke quote. Thank you again for your inspiration.
It might not be much comfort, but while we might not say it out loud, many artists are indeed painfully anxious about the the cost of materials. The most expensive element of my work is the specialist paper, and when a print goes wrong I feel physically sick at the money I have just messed up and thrown away, so I do FULLY understand what you mean about squeezing money out of a tube.
Another achingly beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing this. Belated beautiful birthday wishes to you. I love that your son found you such a perfect book. He is very tuned in to what you like. Good for him and good for you for raising him so wonderfully.
What a lovely piece of writing -- as all of yours are. I enjoyed watching your daily progress on the assembly and embellishment of the stitched Advent calendar last month, and it reminded me of the qualities and joy of handwork that go far beyond the finished product, which is wonderful in itself. Thank you, and Happy Birthday!
Reminds me of this: https://wellcomecollection.org/articles/Y3T6_xAAACK_Tn-F (Wellcome Collection article about women in asylums expressing themselves through needlework).