Change of Pace! This first prompt spurs excitement for my first reveal as the newest member of Cloth in Common. What better metaphor for major changes in life, such as retirement or the pandemic we are finally mostly seeing in the rear mirror.
My husband tells me stories of co-workers who are dreading the day when they leave the office for the very last time. Most likely, the retirees experience abrupt loss of time management, daily purpose, schedules, goals to achieve, coworkers, -often friends, left behind.
My father-in-law was a physician for a long time. He had a hard time to give up his private practice, – already beyond the age of 70. Not being a practicing doctor anymore, he had no need to dress up for business.
I asked my sister-in-law to save some of his ties for me. Silk ties have such incredible colors and patterns, as a fiber artist, I couldn’t resist. Over the last few years, I was gifted many more ties.
It seems wearing “proper attire” is from an aera bygone. The dress codes of the corporate world have drastically changed with the Work-From-Home requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic. Even as many have returned to the offices, this change is here to stay. So, it was no surprise to me that I recently watched a major presentation by the CFO of a multi-billion tech corporation, wearing wide crop linen pants and a blue-and-white sailor-style sweater.
For a while, my sister-in-law was manager for a charity thrift store. It turned out that, no matter how pretty, boasting famous designer names, or how expensive they originally were, ties would not sell.
For myself, drastic changes of pace had happened several times. Losing my profession to computers, going back to school at the age of 30 with two young children, divorce, and moving from Munich to the Pacific Northwest. I’m thinking, what will be next? Since I turned 65 last year, I’m often asked whether I’m now retired? Truth to be told, as a maker and artist, you never really retire.
Eventually, we all must and will find balance, harmony, and purpose to enjoy life in its new pace.
Bye, Bye Tie
40” x 20”
Pieced by machine, hand appliqued and paint applied with paint sticks.
Quilted by machine
Hand-dyed, commercial and upcycled cotton fabrics, silk ties
Unbleached cotton batting
Congratulations Lisa. A wonderful story, and the piece is up to your amazing high standards of design and quilting. Your work is stunning, and so it the artist mind behind it. You are so creative and I’m so glad to know you.
Great story, and amazing work as always, Lisa! Congratulations!
Lisa, what a beautiful representation of this theme. I love your design and your subtle colors. In quilting you are really a professional. Nice work!
Lisa , this is beautiful. My Father was a “”tie fanatic” and I had bags of them which I gave to Goodwill.. He also wore a “smoking jacket” which is unheard f today.
What a great tribute to a man who was obviously loved.
Thank you, Al, I know how hard it is to bring those beauties to a place like a thrift store. So many memories go with it. And yes, I’m familiar with the “Smoking Jacket” from my parents’ younger years. In Germany, a whole style of suits was called Smoking, – meaning the most elegant. I’m pretty sure my mom had no clue about the origin of the term,
Lisa, you have brought us a beautiful and moving new artwork, and yes, the special ties and cloth along with your stitch work create a wonderful design. Your story reflects your life, those of others around you and changes we all live with! Welcome, and I will so enjoy your being here with us over the next two years!
What a great story, Lisa. Congratulations on your first Cloth in Common reveal.
Thanks, Deb, I realize, I’m following some really big boots. I’ll “sew” my best.
Thank you, Beth, your words are truly appreciated. I’m very honored to be a part of this group of artists.