Here they are! The last two of my foundlings. At least I think so. Will put together the photos and have a look at them as a series and consider how I would like to show them.
So much to tell, but focus is required to get anything done before those brief and precious moments of energy dissipate, so deep breath and first one step and then the next.
On Friday I listened to a fascinating interview on Front Row with Yinta Shonibare. Lots of important subjects raised and let trail (race, disability), but my ears cocked up even further when Mark Lawson asked:
“You could make your fortune, I think, as a dress designer with a line of fashion. I mean that must have been an option at some point – was it?” (stress on the must),
and Yinka Shonibare answered:
“I do what I do because I want to deal with very serious subjects. And I keep thinking of ways to get people’s attention. And costume is just one of the ways. And also: Arts to me … I may be wrong, but I feel it’s a moral challenge. … I would feel I was taking the easy way out… No disrespect to designers, but it’s just not an area that I would feel very happy to work in because I like the dark side of things, I like trauma. I don’t think the fashion world would give me as much trauma as I want…”
If I hadn’t been so tired I would have thrust my fist in the air and shouted yes yes yes (while whispering: like trauma, is that really the right choice of words?).
With my usual slower-than-light speed I’m still thinking about the points Elena Thomas made in her post of 21/2/2013 as to why she stitches, not draws (why do I crochet, not paint?); and the thoughtful, well-researched and funny zine Reciprocity-1 which Jean McEwan sent me in December. I’ll get there.
Foundling 4 (2012/13)
Materials: crocheted from cotton thread
Dimensions: 23.5 cm x 40 cm
Foundling 5 (2013)
Materials: crocheted from cotton thread
Dimensions: 22 cm x 39.5 cm
