What an honor

The artists group I've belonged to for a long time is starting a feature to highlight an artist periodically. I wrote this short bio and except for the typos, think it's pretty good.  I am surprised that I was asked to be included in this, as there are many other members who have a more illustrious career in the arts. This should appear on the group website and/or Facebook page soon. With photos!!! Of course, this is a short bio. The long version would encompass a novel. That would be considered for a screenplay. The biopic would star Meryl Streep as myself and she would win a fucking Oscar! I tell myself this everyday to make me feel better. And it's working.

My parents came to Memphis after WWII and started having more children. I was the fifth girl, so I had no choice but learn how to sew. When my mother decided I wouldn’t sew my fingers or burn myself with the iron, she let me sew as much as I liked.

Lucky for me, I really loved it. The sound of a sewing machine is invigorating and soothing all at the same time, kind of like cigarettes. I made almost all my clothes as a teenager and my first real job was at Sears in the men’s department, doing alterations. I felt like a millionaire!

  I continued to sew as a young married woman with two small children, and occasionally made clothes for other people.  I worked at a dry cleaners doing alterations, too. 

   There were many other jobs in the meantime, at a photo finishing shop, retail, retail, retail…….at one point I was selling needlework supplies and giving knitting and crochet lessons at Goldsmith”s. Everyday was a learning experience.

  In the 80’s during the last of the heydays of fine fashion fabric stores, I went pro and sewed beautiful things for some very nice people. I taught myself how to construct tailored garments, how to make patterns, fitting adjustments for ladies who found it difficult to buy quality clothing in stores. I made bridesmaids dresses till I pulled my hair out!

I researched unfamiliar techniques in books and magazines, which eventually became a near obsession. I have bookcases FULL of my collections of reference material. Everyday is still a learning experience. 

   One day in the late 90’s, I picked up a quilting magazine and my focus went immediately to more creative sewing adventures. I followed the “rules” for a little while, but decided to teach myself how to make my own colors and designs. I found a different way to do everything, it seemed. 

    I can’t remember how I found the Memphis Association of Craft Artists, but I felt a door had opened when I did. My art was accepted for what it is, an expression of a creative form that didn’t fit into a two dimensional plane stuck on a wall. The other artists and their work enthralled me, as I had never been around talented people who made even functional pieces beautiful and desirable, worthy of showing to the world as art work!

  I loved being in the group and speaking the same language of creativity, and who doesn’t love a fabulous potluck meal!! The day I was asked to be on the board, I was honored and terrified at the same time. Before this experience, I had no idea what it takes to herd cats. But I have nothing but fond memories and continuing fond feelings for what is now Tennessee Craft-Southwest. I hope to continue to contribute to the group in the future, near and far. As always, everyday should be a learning experience. 

   If any of y’all are interested, I post infrequently on my blog at www.sadfugeeface.blogspot.com, (go to fiber art posts) and can be found more frequently on Facebook. 

 

Oh joy

Today, the postal carrier delivered a letter from the public works department of our fair city. It seems I am in violation of yet another ordinance, this one pertaining to the local newspaper's free edition that comes every Tuesday. These publications which contain all the recycled news of the week, pile up at everyone's curb in this neighborhood. 

 Last summer, there was a notice on the door from code enforcement, about my yard being overgrown with weeds. That kind of went no where, then I read in the newspaper, who is leaving unwanted publications in my driveway, which is fueling this latest fiasco, about the supervisor at code enforcement. Seems his underlings have filed a complaint against him for not following up on the complaints citizens have filed against each other. This could work out in my favor, or NOT! And I do not want to rock THAT boat!!!

   I guess I should be prudent in taking the recycled news directly to my lovely recycle cart, according to this latest infraction.

  Oh golly gee, I love midtown. And being a scofflaw......

Little bit of arting

As is common in most municipalities, Friday evening is THE night for art show opening receptions here in Memphis. The local daily newspaper publishes who, what, where and includes a blurb or two from the town critics. I'm sure they get paid by the word.
  There are a few venues in walking distance in this hood, so a couple of gals and myself went to see us some art. The one show was a collection of paintings of the renovation of a long abandoned Sears building. It is a huge project which already is having a positive impact on this part of town. The wine and tidbits were above average for an art opening, I must say. The painting I REALLY want is beyond my budget, only because I have to have trees removed from the property surrounding my hovel. Dang!!
  The next offering was an exhibit of conceptual art (oxymoron?) that took a few moments to catch onto. Loved it!! Nothing was for sale and one of the "rules" of the exhibit was that all works had to be destroyed so as not to be replicated in subsequent shows of the concept. Wouldn't it be wonderful and so validating to be invited to make a piece for this future show!! PLUS---the tidbits were way above average at this opening. The wine, meh, not so much.
    I should be hired to write the post show review for the daily rag. I would not make much money.

Shield maiden

Many photos were taken today. Few were acceptable to my eyes, since I am not the most photogenic person in the world, a trait I inherited from my dear mother. There was one in particular that looked how I feel about myself. Happy, smiling, sure of myself. Not to say I have any reservations of my place in the world, because I am so glad to be here on our beautiful planet and wake up every morning with a song in my heart. 

  Here's the big but. Yes, I was cute as a child in the Campbell soup kind of way, and a super groovy skinny, straight haired hippy girl teenager, but now, as an older lady-cough, cough-I'm less secure of my looks. Whenever I see a photo, I cringe a little. Time and life has taken its toll, as it should when one has lived fully. Vanity is an ever present evil and presents itself in the camera's eye.

   Long ago, one could instruct the painter of your portrait to make a better presentation of your image to posterity. Oh no, not now!! Cameras on phones, the security videos in every place of business, all there to catch you at your less graceful moment. 

  That being said, there were a few pictures that I deemed less awful than the others.

Lunching with the peeps

This was one of the most fun days I've had in a long time. Rosebriar is an eatery way out in the boonies. The lady who lives there has theme lunches on a regular basis and has a really nice retail boutique. The Memphis Sewing Guild went there for our meeting back in October and we had a great time. 

  Lately, Rosebriar has offered "high tea" for all the Downton Abbey fans, so three of my sewing gal pals and I signed up and had a girls day out.  We dressed for the part, met at Patricia's house and piled into Etta's car for the ride out. We laughed, we ate some really delightful treats, and laughed all the way home. The lady at Rosebriar let Vanessa snap a photo-or two or seven-from her now sold out cookbook, of the lovely dishes that were served at the tea. After a bit of retail therapy at the shop, I picked up a few items at the grubbery-Kroger-and made my version of tomato bisque. Delicious!

   Tomorrow's lunch will consist of the tiny absolutely delish radish sandwich. Can't wait!!!

Art show again

This is Michele and me in front of our work at the show. 

Art show

On February 7, the Tennessee Craft-Southwest Collaborations show opened. My partner this year is Michele Price, an super talented potter who makes hand built plates, bowls and vessels. Michele made the ceramic pieces and I finished them with fiber bits. It was so much fun and was a creative stretch for both of us. Plus, the resulting art is fantastic! 

   My friends from all walks of life came by, my son and daughter in law, and the Noodlemans, too. It was a great afternoon. The show will be up till the end of the month and fingers are crossed for sales!! This is just one of the pieces Michele and I made. It's my favorite.