It's a funny thing, what our passions turn out to be. I know most people don't get as excited about fabric and pattern, and most of all the combination of those two things, the way I do. There are other things that do it for them. Science. Politics. Music. Or...
It is an appetite. That is the best way I can describe it. My eyes crave pattern like my tongue craves certain flavors and textures. And the act of visually "consuming" a particularly rich and diverse selection of textile pattern and color is as satisfying as a wonderful meal.
Last week Paula Benjaminson brought some of her collection of African textiles to show at our SAQA meeting. If you have an appetite for such things it was a feast.
The "crackle" lines in this batiked piece made me crazy in love with it...
Mud. This pattern, color, warm loveliness was created with mud.
Then she brought out her collection of African printing blocks. My heart raced.
I could look at that lizard up there all day.
It was a good day.
Today I have been getting work ready for a show. Labeling, writing up an inventory sheet, rolling, wrapping, packaging, wondering what, if anything, people will like. I never know. Sorting through inventory, I came upon this little piece, made 5 years ago, along with a group of similar pieces.
It was my favorite of the bunch, yet the only one that never sold. So today I carried it back from the studio and hung it next to the closet door just after you walk into the house. Looks like it was meant to be there all along.
It must have been meant for me. I suppose that's why no one else wanted it, though last year at my open studio a woman, who was not buying anything, picked it up, waggled it under my nose and said, " this is the best one..."
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I love textiles as well and especially African. My brother in law is from Ghana and I get fabrics from him on occasion. Fantastic feel. Rich colors. What's not to love? And your little one WAS meant for you. It was home and now found it's home :)
ReplyDeleteOh man, wood block prints. I can't get enough of them. Love the blocks, love the textiles. Sounds like a great presentation.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to see any of your work that I don't like. I is lovely and I hope to own a piece one day. And yes, the wood block prints are beautiful.
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Kay Taylor
I adore the mud cloth. We always had one African vendor at Maine Quilts. I always began my day in that booth. Sad to say, I never was bold enough to buy too much. and now I wish I had.
ReplyDeleteOh, yummy! An appetite for color and pattern...sounds so much better than an addiction! Those stamps-------oooooooh! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI saw those print blocks and just went all fluttery. My favorites are those that repeat...
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