small brass leaf beginnings 2012
the universe caught me off guard this morning while i was sitting at my bench...
like many of you, i am used to the tap on the shoulder (or between the eyes if i am being revisited) that lets me know i have perhaps veered from the path or should be paying attention because something not so ideal is occurring and i need to wake up...
small brass leaf beginnings 2012
but this time, as tears welled up from deep inside of me, i realized i was being asked to pay attention because i was perhaps on to something... that i was beginning to really do the things i hoped to do...
i was asked to make these leaves for a project that will help to raise money to build a children's hospital in west virginia... my youngest child was born at 23 weeks prematurity (4months early) weighing just over a pound... there were many surgeries, three years with a trach and respiratory support at home and other challenges... for us, the children's hospital of philadelphia is a home away from home - still... and when i was asked to use the word 'hope' it took me back to those first years... chop's motto is 'hope lives here.'
using words in my work causes me to be very selective - there are many that have become trite...
i hadn't used 'hope' in years...
but this couldn't have been more perfect...
a couple of weeks ago i was asked to make a number of my petals for use as pendants...
petals 2012
these are for women moving through a domestic violence program...
two causes that couldn't be closer to my heart...
not too long ago i was musing on how i could really just make petals & leaves all day... (each form has its own meaning for me... ) i work them in a neck & shoulder-achingly gentle way... the challenge of keeping the form soft and delicate with a hard material is one i love...
and people seem to be connecting to them...
a personal aesthetic has emerged that seeks out simplicity that is packed with substance... it is something i think about and strive for...
(and this post is feeling long-winded)
it was just such a wonderful feeling - having a moment of mindfulness where i realized that some meaningful things are falling into place...
and i am oh, so, grateful...
