The elements of a studio: some are chosen, some are necessary, some....evolve.
First comes the gathering: the eyes rove, the fingers forage through dusty shelves, dimlit back rooms, unlikely flea markets and yard sales seeking that 'find'..... the woven from Indonesia, a tattered silk kimono, tassles from a camel saddle, old buttons, an orphan shoe clip.....India blockprint, upholstery swatchbooks, bolts of vintage fabric reclaimed, a retro dress or skirt, old sari's....
Then the building: piece by piece, stitching, braiding, measuring, choosing adornment-composing, more stitching. Beading, weaving, clipping, shaping. The work of a milliner is delicate yet robust-forming materials to your vision, shaping, collaborating with fabric-fur-jewels-fibers to create a 'crown of glory'.
The studio itself; a place of solace and the reflection of ones deep desire. A corner in the world that resembles most closely what dreams are made of. For me, it is all the lovely bits and pieces of what will be---hanging there, shining there, calling out...it is the shadows of the Black Locust tree in late afternoon, the plum blossoms in May, a patch of sun for my dog to soak in, fragrant candles, a glowing fire, a cozy chair filled with my sweet daughter...
