In last Thursday’s post I posed the following question on the blog: If you could have a craft date with any artist, whom might you choose?
The answers ran the gamut—from painters and musicians to creative embroiderers and art quilters. Names that popped up a few times included Beryl Taylor, Laura and Linda Kemshall, Hollis Chatelain, Lesley Riley, Carol Duvall, and Georgia O’Keefe.
An artist who made a lifelong impact on someone:
“I would want to have a craft date with Jean Ray Laury. In the 70’s I was struggling with Agoraphobia, and pretty much housebound, but I did get library books from a book mobile. The person who drove it brought me some of Jean’s books … I was so impressed I wrote to Jean to thank her for writing them. She not only wrote back over many months, she encouraged me and taught me quilting and soft sculpture via snail mail. I have thanked her many times, but I would love to meet her in person to tell her what a difference her art and personal kindness and encouragement made in my life. I have been free of Agoraphobia and limits since 1989. ~ Andee
An artist who could muti-task:
I would have to choose my Great Aunt Mimi. I don’t remember meeting her but she was famous in my family for crocheting, smoking and sucking on Canada Mints - all at the same time. She was one of a kind and believed that all would be right in the world if you just had a hook in your hand and made something.~ Alice
A couple people wrote they’d like a craft date with a woman by the name of Pokey. (Poor girl; with a name like that it must be a daily uphill battle to gain any respect!)
Kidding aside, I’m flattered.
What artist would I choose?
This is an easy one for me: Constance Howard, an ambassador for creative embroidery who was Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn’s tutor at college.
Opinionated, a visionary, highly talented and deeply respected by colleagues and students (and who, by the way, sported green hair since 1957...well before the "Sex Pistols"), I will always feel a little wistful that I will never have the opportunity to meet such a legend.
OK, time to announce the Blog Winner of the Quilted Guitar Clutch…
If your name is Jess who wrote a comment on December 6th at 2:53 AM, congratulations, it's your lucky day! Please email me your address so I can mail you my little quilted guitar clutch (and promise me you wont examine the stitching too closely; it was the very first one I made.)