This is the door to my studio. When I open that door I step into a space that is mine alone, though I’m always happy to have visitors! It is only a short walk, across the front yard and over a little bridge, from my house, but it is a door that opens to possibility, to contemplation, to peace and joy and accomplishment. It is where everything I have made for this group began and came into being. It is filled with light and space and good memories. I plan to continue spending as much time behind that door as life allows. After I finished this piece last week I felt happy to see that it really does look like my studio and it occurred to me that nobody would want an artwork like this, so this piece is mine and no matter where I end up in the coming years I can always have this piece of the part of my life spent in this studio. Maybe someday my granddaughter will find it a reminder of the time she spent with me in my studio and enjoy remembering. Those are special memories for me.

This is the last piece I am making as part of Cloth in Common. What a joy it has been to be part of this group and I feel honored to have been in such good company these past 4 years. It is time for me to step aside and let someone else enjoy the same experience! I’ve been juggling a lot these past few years and my recent birthday reminded me that I don’t juggle like I used to, so I’m focusing on fewer deadlines and more projects that are open-ended. I get to indulge one of my other passions (graphic design) and spend the next few months designing and creating a book for an organization that is dear to me, and continuing to make fiber work that I can exhibit locally, so, no, I’m not retiring! I look forward to continuing to follow Cloth in Common as a fan and supporter, and I suppose I might feel a twinge of regret at leaving as soon as I see the next great round of creativity from these good folks. My door is always open–both literally and figuratively. You can find me on Instagram, (terryhowardgrant), on my website (www.terrygrantastic.com), my blog (www.andsewitgoes.blogspot.com) and always in my studio in Washington County Oregon! I’ll see you down the road…

With love and gratitude,
Terry

The Studio Door
Terry Grant
40”h x 25”w

Materials: solid color cotton fabrics, painted non-woven fabric

Techniques: fused appliqué, stitched and painted