In contemplating what to offer his first grade students remotely, by husband pulled out my childhood copy of Frederick, which was my number one favorite book from the age of about four. And this is my favorite page of that book. Granted, the poem at the end is a bit insipid (sorry, Leo,) and I was never much impressed with it. But the idea, the role of Frederick as poet - as someone who noticed and listened and stored things that became invaluable to the hungry mice in winter - this was a powerful idea to me even when I was very young. And this page illustrates that idea best: the warmth and light generated by the calm, inspired words of the poet, causing the very stones to glow.
Throughout my life, the power of that notion has stayed with me, that artists are gathering, observing, collecting, and creating a storehouse that will come to the aid of people in times of need. The system of consumer capitalism would tell us differently, but I’ve never stopped believing that poets and artists are vital.
Now, of course, I’m finding the truth of this confirmed, as I seek out and am fed by the warmth and beauty of words and images created, collected and shared by friends and fellow artists. It is essential nutrition right now.
~~~~~~~Erika Blumenfeld~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sarah Swett~~~~~~~~~~~ Thérèse Murdza~~~~~~~~~~ Jite Agbro~~~~~~~~~~~
Everything is disrupted, but the work of the artist is not much changed - our duties remain what they have been all along. And I want to beg my artist friends to stay faithful to your duties! Keep on with the work that makes you whole, and brings forth beauty and truth, because it is needed.
~~~~~~~ Helen MacDonald~~~~~~~~~ Camille Charnay ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bryan Whitehead ~~~~~~~~~ Sharon Kallis~~~~~~~~
Especially while isolating, conditions are ideal for immersion and intimacy with our own universe of intent and exploration. Mine is focused on weaving right now, with backstrap projects multiplying, and study of both plainweave and Andean pickup in full swing.
I had the realization today that my studio is now never locked. I only lock it when I’m getting in the car and going away somewhere and no one else is at home. So now, the studio is always open. That’s an excellent thing, and it’s time to make it sing for everyone, for the love of this world.
P.S. I finished the band from the last post. It is now covering and protecting my phone.