a new direction.
One of my oil paintings |
Now to why I am blogging. When people ask me what started me as an artist, I say a poster contest in kindergarten. "Keep North Carolina Clean and Green - Don't Be A Litterbug". That was the first time I was recognized. I won. But now I realize something else... In all the packing unpacking and such, I have discovered memories I long forgot -quilting. My grandmother Emma, a seamstress, lived with us until I was 11. As I opened closets to pack, bits of yellows or blues would remind me of sitting with her and my mom, cutting up my dresses, and rearranging small pieces to make the most beautiful things. I remember her fragile hands sort through my outgrown hand-me-downs (the youngest sister!!!). As I recall this exposure, I realize that these simple acts are what actually shaped me as an artist. Things that I saw as domestic tasks were actually artistic processes. My grandmother and my mother were artists! Of course. And I am an artist.
Mama Grooms' Hanging Out (one of Grandmama's quilts) |
I'll keep you posted.
Lori
Hi Lori! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Though in her death it seems like you have found some new life. Amazing how life works that way sometimes. Would love to follow your blog! I worked with you a little bit when your son was applying to SCAD as a transfer student. We have one of your paintings and so do my inlaws and sister-in-law so we "see" you often. Can't wait to see what becomes of your "new beginning." Katie Kelley
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear more, Lori!
ReplyDeleteLori- So sorry about the loss of your mother... Your blog writing is beautiful and will be a pleasure to follow!
ReplyDeleteI can so relate to how you feel, as I have lost both my parents and draw from my artistic parental roots so much in my own work as well as my childhood influences that I write about on my blog,
http://dotcourson.blogspot.com/2010/08/art-for-love-of-it.html
It's amazing what a strong inner connection we artists have with our past- especially how these things that we love become the "thread" in the work of our lives. Saw your work while gallery hopping up the east coast a few years ago. Your work and your Savannah gallery is beautiful, and I wish you much success with your new art direction. Blessings,
- Dot (Mississippi)