Stig(ette) of the Dump

(with apologies to those who have not come across this wonderful children's book - best of all when illustrated by Edward Ardizzone)

We went walking yesterday, the weaver's dog and I, round 'our' wood.  Inspired by some imperceptible impulse (the robin greeting us as we entered the fields? The buzzard swooping into the wood ahead of us carrying its prey?) we went widdershins, and decided to go in at a new point....

Joy and Rapture unconfined - we found a Victorian (maybe even Georgian) dump!!

Broken China!  Coloured Glass!  Rusty Things!

I often come back from our walks with nice things in my pockets, but today I doubled my hip measurement with my pocketed loot - even found two whole bottles to play with, and the rusted remains of a small tin bath - just the handles and top frame - perfect as a weaving base.

My plan for today was to go back with a trowel and foraging bag, but it is raining.  I know that would not deter Time Team, but, given the fact that the bottles were easily found, I do not think that the dump is much visited (or even known) by other walkers, so it should be safe to wait for more clement weather for my archaeological exploits.....

In the meantime I am enjoying Proust (I cannot believe that I have never read it until now; the themes of loss and memory are so pertinent) and Scruton (ditto).

Visiting WD tonight to see a friend I had not seen for more than a year until yesterday - too long - and to see the work of a self-confessed 'maker of useless objects'!

Progress (and a Book Recommendation)

We are above knee level.  Which, coincidentally, is the level the mud reached while we went walking after heavy rain this afternoon.  There had been thunder too.  The woods and fields were waterlogged, the streams refilled and the scent of damp earth and woodland irresistible.  The bluebells did not appear too battered by the elements, and one of the feral rhododendrons was in bloom.  Should have taken camera - will try and do so tomorrow.

I can't remember where I saw this book reviewed, but was impressed enough to buy a copy.  And it is GOOD.  He looks at the different sources of anxiety which beset creative people (starting / finishing / selling / criticism etc) and uses stories and practical examples of anxiety management tools to offer suggestions for self help.  Well written, cogent, readable and MAKES PERFECT SENSE.

I am also dipping into economics: 'The Black Swan' which is very interesting on the subject of unpredictability, and how we ignore the fact that we don't know much at all!  The other book I began today (and am enjoying tremendously so far) is Roger Scruton's 'Gentle Regrets'.  He has re-inspired me to get hold of Proust's 'A La Recherche du Temps Perdu'.  Links to some of my thoughts for the Cathedral Residency (did I blog about that yet?  Perhaps not.  Will get back to you on that.)

Lukewarm Off the Press (and other tales)

Yes, I (and, more importantly, Tapestry) made it to the front page of the local paper during the Angmering exhibition.  We had a steady stream of visitors to the Mill House Gallery up to this point, and then on the day this was published, 64.  Good exhibition, well curated and well received.  Good opportunities to 'big up' tapestry as a medium.  Hoorah!

As well as taking my turn invigilating the show, I have been spending time making new mixed media work; originally for the Bosham 'Art in the Garden' trail last weekend, which due to a computer glitch at their end, I was omitted from in the end, and my garden space allocated to someone else.  Never mind - I now have stocks for June, and can get on with some small tapestries for then too....

This one is loosely inspired by those yummy early Richter paintings.  The yarns are Shetland 2 ply; no mixed bundles, but the natural variegation of the yarn means that they are not 'flat'.  It is called 'Thread of Grace', from the Italian Jewish proverb:-

"No matter how dark the tapestry the Almighty weaves for us, there is always a thread of grace"

This one is a very fine silver lurex thread in occasional passes so should only be visible in certain lights / angles.

I have also done the cartoons for another two A4 size ones, based on life drawings from last year.

Best get on.....