I gave up.
I am too busy. I am sick with a nasty cold/ sinus infection/ bronchitis. And although I thought I had a great idea for Bead Dreams, my first component took forever and I only liked it. I have to be in love to work that hard. And the deadline is way, way too early this year for my schedule.
So, I gave up, and let me fingers wander as they chose.
I had a hand stitched Russian embroidered cab that I have always meant to work with. I used a similar one to create something for my mother years ago, and fingering through my stash, it felt timely.
And then Alan Rickman died. And the rope Slithered in my fingers. And the darkness of the cab seemed right. So it became a little tribute to an actor and character I loved. Nothing super special, but a good little dialog to have with my beads.
I am too busy. I am sick with a nasty cold/ sinus infection/ bronchitis. And although I thought I had a great idea for Bead Dreams, my first component took forever and I only liked it. I have to be in love to work that hard. And the deadline is way, way too early this year for my schedule.
So, I gave up, and let me fingers wander as they chose.
I had a hand stitched Russian embroidered cab that I have always meant to work with. I used a similar one to create something for my mother years ago, and fingering through my stash, it felt timely.
And then Alan Rickman died. And the rope Slithered in my fingers. And the darkness of the cab seemed right. So it became a little tribute to an actor and character I loved. Nothing super special, but a good little dialog to have with my beads.
I was kind of addicted to my spiral chenille stitch last fall, so it popped up, this time, worked over a 3mm leather cord, to which I added my own brass end caps. Plus I wanted something snakey with a hint of green. I don't really like silver, so I just ignored that bit.
And I added a little twist to the bezel, and a few bits of flower, leaf, and bud, because it is very cold and white and barren here, and I miss the growing things. And flowers are often gifts for the dead.
It would have been very sensible to do "real" bead embroidery here, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I am a weaver first, and when seeking comfort, I revert to form. The little cab was cardboard backed, so I did add a little leather.
Do you recognize the line? "After all this time?" Dumbledore says it to Snape, about his love for Lily Evans. Snape calls forth his Patronus, a symbol of protection and support. It is a doe, like Lily's own Patronus. And he replies "Always." And Alan Rickman delivers that line in what some believe to be an anticlimactic fashion. But I admired the delivery. It was a simple statement. An "of course". Because that is what love is. I think the actor understood that. He married his high school sweetheart, his love of 50 years, before he died. Because love is not contingent on reciprocity, or what a partner might have to offer, or the circumstances of a relationship.
It is because of who two people are. And it is forever.
una belleza
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteI have always admired Alan Rickman as a Artist and Performer. He was an incredibly compassionate individual and a great supporter to other actors as they matured. Just started the Harry Potter Marathon - then to Quigley Down Under- Die Hard and on. I admire your tribute to him and the roll he devised.
ReplyDeleteThank you Catherine, I want do do that marathon too!
DeleteIt's a beautiful tribute of exquisite work, Marsha!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandy. :)
DeleteMarsha, your beadwork, and rationale, are always a joy to see/read. Let's face it, you were given a wonderful gift of exceptional artistic ability, and a dedicated work ethic to boot, that together allow you to create wonderful works of art! And your generosity allows you to share with us...wonderful!! Jeanne
ReplyDeleteJeanne, you are always so kind. Thank you. <3
DeleteWhat a wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteI've got to be honest, when I first saw your post, I thought it was beautiful, but I didn't understand the connection with Alan Rickman. Now, reading your blog, which nearly brought a tear to my eye, it sings with meaning. The spring fresh pinks and greens on the unexpected black background speak of love, loss and timelessness. Every choice you made from the edging to the accent beads is perfect imho.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet comment. Obviously, it was not my original intention, but he was certainly on my mind throughout the beading. I was shocked when I put the cab with the rope at how dark it was, but it became right with the twisted edge and flowers. We never know what is in our hearts until we "finger" it out. :)
DeleteBeautiful work, as always. I didn't realize he died and I'm
ReplyDeleteso sad to hear that. He was one of favorite actors in the Harry Potter movies and in so many others as well.
He seemed to be a quiet guy, not really interested in the public eye. Another thing to admire. :)
DeleteThank you Terri!
ReplyDeleteSimple? That is only because you have a history of very complex work. It is beautiful. I adore pink (and red and all shades between) and mix it with everything and love it with green. I love that cab. I buy things and then put them in my stash for years until I am inspired. This was inspired.
ReplyDeleteI will miss seeing your very complex work for bead dreams, but I understand stepping away from an endeavor because it was not what you wanted it to be and because time really is a limiting factor.
Not sure where I got simple from; I think I read it into "nothing super special."
DeleteThanks for always stopping by and reading KJ. I do think it is a fairly simple piece, no worries. :) I am mourning both Alan Rickman and not having time to do a Bead Dreams piece, but I think I want to spend this year with tutorial writing and see how I feel at the end of the year. Old lady, new tricks! Hopefully it will suit me, and if not, back to the big work!
Delete