I am not my hair

I attended another talk at the Fitzwilliam Museum called " Roots to Relaxers"  on the 11th August; it was fantastic and I loved the title. The ladies who conducted the talk, Sandra Gittens and June Forbes were both very thorough in their research from which they shared historical information and photos these showed the origins and direction of black hairstyles. June Forbes talked more about the different treatments and care for black hair and some reference was made to the documentary "Good Hair" by Chris Rock a black American comedian, a few clips were shown from the documentary, one very strong point which this documentary  revealed was  that within the black community there is a hidden prejudiced to the different types of black hair - softer curls and tighter curls. The idea being that one type is better than the other, this is an unfortunate idea which exists. Having only recently shaved off most of my hair I can say that it has been the most liberating thing I have ever done, with the added bonus of less time to maintain it, I wish I had done it earlier as it has freed me from so many hangups. This debate reminded me of a song which I had heard a few years ago, I really liked it and although it was not a hit it was making a positive point. It was called I am not my hair by Indira Arie

 

Two pieces of my work has been selected for an exhibition to celebrate Black history month 8 -25 October at the Apex Gallery in Bury St. Edmunds . I am very excited by this and would like to thank  Deanna sending me the information about it.

 

Another really exciting thing has happened to me recently, I have been invited to give a talk about my experience with my mother's Alzheimer's and how I dealt with it through my work.

 

 

Underwater and World in a box

About two weeks ago I was asked to create a piece of textile work in blues and greens with a sea theme to be given as a wedding present. The receiver was described as a bubbly, warm, friendly fun loving young woman who has struggled with a serious illness recently. I played around a bit with the colours and came up with the result below. I looked at the reflectiveness and movement of water and the shapes of bubbles. I kept the composition very simple and have placed a frame with floating bubbles stitched into it to mirror what is happening in the main area of the work.

 

The copper shape at the bottom represents a sunken ship and the circles portholes and bubbles.

Earlier than this however I was sent an email telling me about an idea http://www.accessart.org.uk/?p=7974 where for a small fee you could receive random objects  with which you were to create a piece of art based on the title  "world in a box" I thought this could be a new way of working for me so I sent off my fee and the odd selection of items arrived.

 

 These items were all very directional and seemed to suggest something to do with gardening and the out doors, I did not want to take it in this direction but so far in my playing around that is where it seems to be headed.

 It has been exciting though  and as you can see my temporary world in a box is quite an unusual one with quilted trees, corn husk paper leaves and blue and green stick flowers. The very contrasting geometric shapes are to represent an architectural structure. This might all become something else.