Judy Martin

Since I wrote the description for Peter's quilt in my last post I couldn't get the feeling that the words sounded so much like something I had seen or read before.  I'm not the first artist to make work that revolves around a domestic theme so I shrugged the feeling off for a bit. 

Yet, on Saturday morning I was having a shower as usual - I'm not sure if it's hot water running over my head  stimulating brain synapses, or simply that I'm left somewhat alone in my thoughts (if Peter keeps the girls out of the bathroom...), but the shower seems to be the place most of my 'aha' moments happen these days.

And through the steam and soap, my subconscious finally offered me a generous serve  of  'memory.' I recalled the artwork,  When asked how she managed to make art and raise children she replied, "what's the difference?"  by Canadian artist Judy Martin. 

 

 

When I first saw this quilt, it's title and description, I remember having a real sense of Judy's passion for both her artwork and family. I felt very much encouraged as both a parent and artist. And now, though rather subconsciously I believe Judy - some the underlying metaphors in her work have crept into my art making. Now that I see it I want to gratefully acknowledge the influence Judy has had on me.

Here is Judy's description of the above art work (which is also found on her blog post I linked to):

When the four kids were all still at home, I made this quilt out of a wool camp blanket and some of their recycled jeans and t-shirts. Three of the children are girls which explains all the pink I guess. It's not a large piece but very heavy and while making it I realized that it was a metaphor for motherhood. It was a heavy, itchy thing yet warm and nurturing and domestic and all that.

 My description of Peter's quilt (you can see a photo here or on my last post):

Made from Old beach towels that belonged to his dad (Peter lost his father when he was 16), terry-towel nappies (diapers) I used as nursing cloths when my girls were breast-feeding, a towel we received as a wedding present and a snippet of the towel I brought with me to Australia 10 years ago, all tied to a pieced sheet of wool flannel. A large section of the wool belonged to Peter's grandma. For some reason terry-towelling and wool flannel go together in my mind. Put together somewhat roughly and quickly, a bit raw and uncomfortable yet warm and nurturing. Like these early years of child-rearing.

Though the quilts are quite different visually, a metaphor for motherhood and family worked out in material and texture, is part of both quilts. I think it's wonderful when thoughts come together this way - when the unconscious surfaces and I can see who and what has influenced me.  I believe it helps make connections and results in growth. Thank you Judy!

Thank you  also,  Judy for the use of your images and though half a world apart - or almost as far away from any two points on the globe as one could get(!) - thank you for your friendship and encouragement. 

{PS - Judy's latest blog post is awesome, too.}