Casey asked me how the presentation of my fabric book went at college, which prompted me to reflect on the comments that I got from the group. It is too easy to let these opportunities slip past without capturing the helpful comments that people make.
It was interesting that although I don’t value my needlework skills, I had a number of comments from people admiring my needlework. This surprised me until I realised I was comparing myself to some extremely accomplished needlewomen in my family.
The use of the thin gauze to partly obscure images was commented on, and I think people liked that effect and could relate it to the fuzziness of memories.
One gentleman was reminded of an actual childhood memory of his own involving dolls (and head-shaving of said doll, but we won’t go into that gruesome tale!)
Another gentleman sat me down afterwards to explain how someone once told him that each time we remember a memory, we change it slightly. So the ‘purest’ memories are those that we don’t remember for years, and then suddenly it comes back. But even in that first remembering, we start to alter it. I found this idea very intriguing indeed.
There was also some interest in the idea of drawing with needle and thread.
My textiles tutor suggested that there may be scope to make these books for people – memory books, celebration books, etc. for recording important events or remembering important people. I might also be interested in running workshops for people to make their own memory books.
That’s about as much as I can remember for now! But thank you, Casey, for the prompt to get it down in writing.
Carole,
This is delicate, time consuming art in fabric. My favorite is the lace trim. It reminds me of my mother’s hankies that she always ironed so carefully.
I won’t be able to take the Season of Inspiration this time, because it conflicts with another class that I opted for quite some time ago. One, as a matter of fact, that I expect to be difficult, because we are reading 3 books along with all the other usual stuff––critiques and such.
I’ll stay in touch with your art and you here.
Love,
Connie Scott
Hi Connie,
It’s funny how textiles can remind us of our female relatives. Mine had lace edged and embroidered hankies too. These days I just use tissues!
Your new course sounds interesting. How did you get on with the novel writing?
I’m glad you stay in touch! It’s nice to hear from you.
Hi Carole,
Well, I have 11 chapters finished. But in this next class, I am submitting 6-11. I hope to have it finished and get an agent by next June. “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” Right?
I went back and read some of my short stories yesterday. I found quite a few flaws that made the flow seem forced. Nothing comes easy, does it?
I’m in the certificate course at UCLA. It’s expensive, lengthy and difficult. Whew!
I’ll stay in touch. Are you taking the Inspiration course?
Connie
Hi Connie,
I love that quote about heaven.
I’m not taking SOI this time, as I’ve just started a full time Fine Art course and simply can’t do everything!
Good luck with your course. It sounds like you are making loads of progress. I do admire your perseverence as well as your talent.
Hi Carole,
Thanks for sharing that – it’s really interesting to hear about the discussions your work provoked. I envy you your art course – you are really going to forge ahead!