A much clearer vision of my work is emerging. I am beginning to find a way to combine my love of nature, use of natural materials and exploration of traditional processes.
At the same time I can see a way to reuse preloved items and reference my desire to see a move away from mass produced materialism towards cherishing carefully selected handmade and more precious items.
I hope in my own small way to encourage people to spend more time in looking at their environment more carefully and considering the benefits of creating items with their own hands.
I think this poem by WH Davies says it all:
“LEISURE”
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Joanne Shewan Textiles 