I've been in the studio a lot for the past two weeks.
"Stitch" is a new collage/mixed media piece that I
just finished. It's a tribute to the way life used
to be. Thrifty and practical were traits to be proud of.
My Mom had them in spades. She was a child of the
Great Depression. My Grandfather was a plumber back
then and he always had work and income. Her family lived in
Gloria Swanson's house in those days. A family of seven
and they used half the house.
I loved the stories of those days when I was little.
The lessons of that era were ingrained in my mother.
We remade and recycled and saved. It was a virtue.
Most of my dresses were made at the sewing machine.
We'd go to the local five and dime ( a non-existent
retail concept now...) and pick out a pattern and
fabric. At home she'd clear the dining room
table and lay out the fabric, pin the pattern and
cut the odd shaped pieces out. The sewing machine
would be set up and a pretty new dress
emerged from the presser foot.
I don't think this tradition will see a revival
any time in the near future. I want to honor
my Mother and those rituals that are gone.
Many of the needlework projects that she
made for her family are still being used and loved.
She lives on through these things. Her legacy
is honored this way.
