Following on yesterday's musing about sashiko, an art form and a repair method, I've been looking again at Louise Bourgeois, and her relationship with textiles. Here's a kid's book, great learning piece for adults too
She's mostly known for enormous sculptures, such as the spider figures named Maman, but she came to them later in life, after a long period of working in freeform weaving and restoration, literally using the fabric items she owned as her art materials.
She grew up with the family tapestry restoration workshop, her mother the chief restorer, the human equivalent of the spider, joining and creating and repairing woven structures.
The spider sculptures refer to her mother who died when Louise was still a student, and whose influence on her art was lifelong
It's a recognition that the spider, patient, wise, skilled, is a great weaver, who will repair a damaged web as well as weave a new one.
I hate to clear away the spiderwebs currently growing under my plant tables, though it's necessary. And they're back, repaired, in a couple of days. There's so much to learn from the skills and approach of the spider.
Charlotte's Web has a spider as the title character.
And her description as not only a good writer but a true friend? Words to aspire to!
Meanwhile outside, the fence workers have been scrambling about out there, reminding me very much of those miniature dioramas we were looking at the other day.
While, back in my workshop, the sofa, here's the current state of the Sock.
This is a work of self denial on my part, since I dislike these colors, but a lot of people like them and they're what I was given, so okay. I might even grow to like them, but I wouldn't bet on it. Anyway they'll get my best efforts.
Happy day everyone. Remember Ukraine still needs our help and support.
I used to be afraid of spiders, after reading Charlotte's Web, I never stomped on one again. That's what a good and wise story can do for us.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that Louise Bourgeois started off as a weaver and textile artist! Thanks for that insight into the meaning of "Maman." I've seen two of her "Maman" statues (of which there are a number around the world) -- one at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and one in Tokyo, Japan.
ReplyDeleteNice books.
ReplyDeleteSpiders, the good house kind, are welcome in my home. The ant problem, however, requires bug spray. It is a tricky balance to not spray too much in too many places.
SP, I spray with a mix of lemon juice and vinegar for countertops, safe around food. For floors I add in borax. The tiny ant season just started, the critters so little they can get inside screwtop jars.
ReplyDeleteI saw Louise Bourgeois' "Maman" sculptures in New York years ago. They made an impression I have not forgotten!
ReplyDeleteI love those colours. I hope they grow on you.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite fond of spiders. Also fond of the purple and lilac shades that you don't care for - I'm sure someone will seize on those socks with great delight!
ReplyDeleteYes, I expect the socks will be well received! If not by me.
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason, I've never really thought about the connection between spiders and mending but I like the idea very much! I guess that spiders were the original textile artists! And they can make their own materials which is so very cool.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how we all react so differently to different colors? I myself cannot abide browns and tans and beiges in clothing for the most part. Or in the color of rooms or cars, either, for that matter. But I know that many people feel quite comfortable with those colors.
About color: when I first opened the donates box I was so glad there was no red! I'd have used it but without a lot of joy. For me that whole side of the spectrum induces nausea, literally. I have to proceed with caution.
ReplyDeleteI was an adult before I read Charlotte's Web, or the Wind in the Willows. Books you read to your children. I was impressed.
ReplyDeleteI would love those sock colors and Charlotte's Web has always been a favorite book.
ReplyDeleteI hope they complete the fence work before warm weather sets in so you can enjoy your outside space. I love children's books. They can be very educational to adults! Someone will love and appreciate that purple.
ReplyDeleteI'd love those socks too - purple is a favourite colour, but pink not so much. I might just have to get a copy of Charlotte's Web and re-read it.
ReplyDeleteHope the fence work continues on to completion and no more bumps in the road.
An interesting artist. There's a show by her on in London at the moment. I'm so busy I am not sure I'l have time to go. I enjoyed another that was on about 10 years ago. I remembered mainly the sculptures, but now I have seen your post, I remember her textiles. They were so interesting.
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