I took a trip to the women's library last week to look at the instillation by Nicola Malkin one of my favourite makers. She has worked with the museum maker programme referencing the libraries information to inform new pieces that sit within it. Giant knitting needles and my favourite a giant medal.
Also on show an exhibition about women and crafts which I obviously loved. A collection of hand made things from different generations, that showed the skills involved in traditional craft and celebrating them. It was also really interesting to be able to see where each piece came from and the reason behind it being made which is not something I always know about within the materials I use in my work.
My favourite piece apart from the giant crazy crochet doilee was an embroidery reading "God Bless you both" a wedding gift from grandmother to granddaughter.
"It's a piece of joy and rememberance, of my origins, and my future. It reminds me of the first time I met my grandmother. She arrived in London two weeks before my wedding in 1990. It reminds me of how far away from each other we are, but also how connected." Rose Sinclair 2010
I thought that really summed up what I'm interested in when I look at hand made objects and textiles in particular. The story and interaction between generations and physical interaction from the maker. And of course grandmas are great.
