Mom's sewing box (EDM #67 - Mother)
This morning was spent clearing out my mother's room. She passed away last October and I have, on occasion, attempted to remove the reminders but I never get very far. It's difficult.
But this morning, I decided this was the day that I was going to do it! But as you can see, I didn't get very far again. I got distracted when I decided to commit to paper a little rememberance.
I found my mom's sewing box. In it are little reminders of her. She was a seamstress here in town for many years. She sewed all our clothes until jeans became popular and then she gave up and let us buy store-bought clothes. I remember being happy about that. But also feeling a little guilty because I know she felt great pride in sewing. I think it made her a little sad to know we were growing up and in the process, growing independent.
This is my tribute to my Mom, filled with colors that remind me of her.
.png)
20 comments:
What a charming painting! Not only does it have personal meaning for you, but it is technically lovely as well. That ribbon looks like I could touch it.
Sewing boxes are precious to sewers, and your painting portrays just that. Most mothers who sew for their daughters know that one day their skills will no longer be needed. It's even sooner for those who sew adorable outfits for their little boys. It only means their children are going up and showing independence.
oh this is just lovely - not just for its beauty but for the meaning it holds. i am sorry to hear of your loss. i am thinking your mother would be quite honored by this painting and very proud of her most talented daughter.thank you for sharing it.
Thanks Sherry, Jenny and Tracy! I find that by painting this as a memento, it is easier to let go all of the other things I need to clean out. It's rather cathartic. Thanks all for the very kind words. I feel like you are all part of my extended family! :)
Wow another great painting Joan. So soft and sensitive. Lovely sentiment too.
It's a wonderful tribute, Joan. And such a lovely and delightful piece. Full of sentiment and charm.
This is a lovely reminder, quite similar to my memory paintings. I have found that sketching some of the things in my parent's house result in my not minding whether I get to inherit them or not - very freeing.
This is beautiful. I was touchedby your story too. If those colors are your mother's, she must have been a wonderful person.
I can relate about thesewing thing, because my mom and grandmother sewed for me, could do anything I askedfor, with the added benefits of having exactly the colors and prints I wanted.
My mom had taken "packrat" to an art form before she passed away, and it was a long, emotional sorting. But it did feel like a map of growing up.
Your yellow things are gorgeous
(and interesting).
This is a beautiful tribute to your mom and your memories of her. The details are lovely, but I especially like the way you handled the background.
Wow! This is an awesome painting. Such beautiful, soft colors. And that design on the box itself! Such patience. I'm sure your mom would be proud. This is a great remembrance.
So beautiful...what a lovely painting to remember her by...i remember my mother for her brown samsonite train case that she took everywhere...shes never had a sewing box although shes the one who taught me to sew..
Oh everyone, I really appreciate your comments. I've been busy cleaning and happily traveling down memory lane. The process is very freeing. What a great thing to know that I have supoort from all you wonderful artists ... and people I am quickly considering friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Joan, I was really touched by your story and your painting. I lost my mom ten years ago this September, but it feels like yesterday and still I think about her every single day. I have a huge sewing chest of hers and lots of her trims, vintage fabric scraps and notions. She passed away so quickly, I still have a project she was in the middle of sewing. She sewed all our clothes when we were little, and my grandma knit and crocheted, so I have things of hers also. Anyway, I am very sorry for your loss. I love the painting and the sensitivity and story behind it. -kate
Your kind words really touched me Kathleen. I'm really sorry for your loss too. I guess a lot of us have vivid memories wrapped in the things our mothers left us. How wonderful that you still have those wonderfully crafted items.
This is a wonderful tribute, and so beautifully done. Your mother would love it.
So much is wrapped up in the work of hands - the handwork of a mother, the handwork of a daughter. Her sewing, your painting. I am sorry for your loss and am moved by your words of letting go - how she let go of sewing for you, how you are letting go of her things. It is not easy work, any of it... thinking of you today.
Thanks Liz for your touching words. Perhaps that is what I learned from my mom ... being creative ... using our hands to create something useful, something pretty. Thank you for the insight!
A lovely tribute and beautifully done.
Ronell
This is such a sweet painting Joan, I love it! And such a lovely memory of your mother!
Thanks Ronell and Kathleen! :)
Post a Comment