Inspiration

This is not self indulgence, this is my learning log (so apologies). I have yet to receive my course text and workbooks, so I thought it useful to log my inspirations and thoughts before I am set on course. My main inspiration is water...rivers, the sea, rain. I like the noise of the sea in winter, and the calm lapping of summer. I like the smoothness of sand, and then the undulating sand of a tide just past. I like the readiness of sand to record footsteps and marks of animals passing through, small and large, mammal or bird. I like the bark of trees, smooth petals of spring and leather like autumn leaves. I like texture most of all, anything that cries out to be touched. I aim to use smooth angora wool, leather, feathers, felt, cotton, organza. And with the texture comes colour...a rainbow of hues. I am always drawn towards the oranges of autumn, and the colours of summer, but pale, snowflake blues with peaches and greens always interest me. Anyway, we shall see...

Sew what?

...that's the question. I am embarking on the Open College of Arts Textiles 1: A creative Approach course. This is my first foray into textiles since my needlework classes at School back in 1987. Those were not happy days. I remember grappling with the bobbins almost constantly, sitting quietly until the teacher got back round the room to me to help. I am sure she thought I was pretty simple. My confidence in sewing straight lines and making PE bags may not be at its highest, but my creativity has been proven to be not all that rubbish in the last few years. I have made a few hundred pounds for charity selling my jewellery in that time, and can make myself any necklace/bracelet/earrings I want whenever I want, which is always cool.

My mum was a needlework and art teacher. I remember seeing her university sketchbooks as a kid and being really impressed at her work. She made my clothes until I was old enough to object to being dressed in the latest fashions (the Bay City Roller red polyester trouser suit with tartan cuffs was the last straw), but I have always been impressed and in awe of her practical and creative endeavours. This journey for me is a nod to my mum, Joyce Fretwell, and I am looking forward to the journey...