This morning I came across a long video of a meditation using singing bowls, which the musician struck with various hammers and forces, resulting in an amazing sound tapestry as the notes interwove and pulsed against each other.
It was long enough to play while I showered. The only tiny drawback was an omg moment when I heard trickling water that was not from the shower.
I peered around the curtain, dreading to find leaking from some part of the plumbing. Then I looked at the screen. He was using a rain stick. Oh. That rain pattering sound, mixed with the shower, seemed like something ominous. Now that I know, I can resume being calm.
The icy wind kept me home from the Tuesday knitting group today. It quickly saps my energy, and caused some sharp protests from Helen at the prospect of library chairs. So I bagged it and worked at home on the granny ruggy thing, now with the end approaching.
Textiles and Tea was right up my alley, a young Chinese woman, Lin Qiqing, who spins, dyes and weaves mulberry paper into wall hangings. She's now Brooklyn-based and here's what she's about, great design.
Detail of the figure higher up.
These are dyed, spun, or made into a paper collage then cut up and reassembled on an eight shaft loom, as the weft, with a linen thread warp.
She's a very good designer of the human figure, blocky, expressive and interestingly light in weight. Definitely worth a visit to her website.
This is a second career, since she started as a reporter in Shanghai, but left because the political climate hamstrung reporting. Then, in New York, decided on a big change of work, and got credentials in textile design, before becoming an art weaver.
Happy day, everyone, you do you, when you find out what that is.
I've heard the singing bowls before and they're amazing. Thank you for the reminder to listen again. Sorry about having to miss the group, but at least you had an interesting T&T to entertain you.
ReplyDeleteHah, I would like to do me, but having a problem with what that is at the moment. This, too, shall pass.
Yes, that's the trouble with doing you, first you have to find out who that is!
DeleteThe wind keeps us in some days too. It cuts though and requires so much energy!
ReplyDeleteNot just me, then.
DeleteBeautiful work on Textiles and Tea! I like singing bowls in the lower registers but the highest-pitched ones go right through my head like a nail, which is not conducive to a true meditative spirit for me. I used to have a rainstick as one of the instruments for my drumming circle back in the day.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the rain stick sound. I hate the sound of running water, so piercing.
DeleteLin Qiqing is an incredible artist.
ReplyDeleteIsn't she? Also very modest about her talents.
DeleteThere is some beautiful work there. I am glad she gave up journalism!
ReplyDeleteI will check out singing bowls.
She still does a bit of reporting, now on the arts, but mainly makes art.
DeleteThat hug of the dog is a delight. An essence.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? She knows how to condense shapes.
DeleteVery creative and oh so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSometimes crafting at home on your own is exactly what is needed
Sometimes crafting at home is all I can face.
DeleteWhat stunning work! Your meditation panic in the shower made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteI thought that would tickle you! You get it.
DeleteShe's indeed a very good designer. I love the doggie hug.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she has a dog! It's very heartfelt.
DeleteA friend of mine has recently taken a great interest in sound healing and does group sessions. He is so purposefully intense with it. I love that he's doing it and of course, he is receiving healing too. He's a precious person.
ReplyDeleteFunny. When I looked at that young artist's work I thought, "She is so talented and so young. I wonder where her art will take her next." I love her work.
Vibrations definitely affect the body and probably our thinking, interesting area to learn about. I wonder if Handsome Son's drum circles work similarly.
DeleteLin has great talent. I suggested she get in touch with Sarah swett, who also spins paper but with a drop spindle, and she was interested, noted Sarah's name. These sessions are participatory, where guests respond to questions.
The pieces are lovely and detailed. It amazes me that people can do this. It's just cold here, but that is a normal January. Doing me....maybe not!!
ReplyDeleteYes, to people who don't make this sort of work, it's a kind of magic. How to conceptualize it?? The answer isn't in words!
DeleteThe textiles are beautiful and I LOVE the ceramic fortune cookies! People come up with the darndest things.
ReplyDeleteI can see you making a small collection of the fortune cookies, given a chance.
DeleteWasn't it T&T that you encouraged to broaden their perspective on artists a few years ago? They have done so, and found some spectacular artists. I especially like Lin Qiqing's Phoenix (especially where you show the details). Thanks again for the time you put into sharing the presentations with us.
ReplyDeleteChris from Boise
Yes, they were very receptive and have found some great guests. I also like that they've broadened their age span, to encourage younger artists, not just celebrate established ones.
DeleteThanks for the shout-out. It does take time and cropping and uploading and thinking and writing. But everyone seems to enjoy the results, so that's fine.