Happy that the paperwork for the UK embroidery course was approved yesterday! I am so grateful that I am getting help paying for this through my employer. From the outside I can see that some people would be confused about how it relates to my teaching, but I know that it does. It is drawing, albeit with a machine, Mixed media, 3D work included. Being engaged in the artistic process on a regular basis is an essential part of being an art teacher, at least for me, and this facilitates that as well. I am sure I will not love every part of this class, but I will try to do it all. And well! Machine embroidery, UK style, here we come! I think being an artist and always learning, growing, and doing is what keeps this old mare a’going,
Listening to a book that has been on my list for ages -- Istanbul by Orhan Pamuk. While it is a personal memoir it also paints a portrait of the city, contemporary and historical. His family sketches are witty and full of humorous description, and his summary of the major historical issues that have faced this city and its people are wonderful. My favorite book of his, My Name Is Red, had the same kind of immersive effect on me. That book was a mystery set in Ottoman times, and the description was fantastic. Someday I’ll go back there and enjoy it as an artist, not as a wife and tourist. Rent a place for a month on the Bosporus or in Sultanahmet (not the best quality location, but filled with history and museums) and just cut loose.
On a hugely sad note, last night I unexpectedly found my friend Matt’s Facebook page and saw shocking news. Matt is the man that trims Kizzy’s nails and is a sweetheart. His beloved macaw Gabriella (Gabby) passed away in March. I don’t know what happened, just that this must have caused him unbelievable pain and heartbreak. Gabby is the macaw Kizzy and I would see in the shop. She was about the same age as Kizzy, and he loved her. I have videos of Kiz blushing as he leaned in to say “Hello!” to her, clearly fascinated with his lovely lady. Matt and I talked about a possible match up later in life if I got hit by a bus. I thought of Gabby as Kizz’s girlfriend. I can not believe she is gone. She was a beauty. He always joked about her fresh personality but I know this must have been like losing a child to him. So, so sad.
Which reminds me that though people say “Don’t they live forever?” about macaws, sadly, they do not. In captivity, anyway. Bird life is not a guarantee. I love my feather babies so much, but it is such a crap, unnatural life for them being kept as pets. Granted the wild isn’t that hot either, but at least they get to fly and do natural things. This cage stuff is the pits. I swear the Kizzman and I are going to fireworks every week as long as they happen, come hell or high water from now on. You never know when his time is up. Or mine for that matter. Poor, poor Gabby. Poor, poor Matt.
Onward to a fast day filled with chores, errands, possible school, and art! SO HAPPY to be able to see Amanda Palmer tonight playing a Dresden Dolls reunion gig in Boston tonight. Just what this crumpled soul needs right now. She is an amazing performer with so much energy it is cathartic to see her perform. Brilliant.
For an art link today, here is the webpage of Australian artist Catherine Tipping who uses analog processes to create images that look like digital art. Her use of traditional and improvisational stitches is really interesting, as is the format of her work. It brings to mind the kits I used to do as a kid -- wool on needlepoint canvas -- as I learned how to stitch. Her pieces are really neat and integrate technology in an interesting way. Enjoy!