Off-white linen blend fabric, homegrown indigo/hand dyed on linen, commercial fabric scraps, Sashiko thread, cotton quilt batting, unbleached muslin on back.
CLARA MARTIN CENTER ART AND POETRY SHOW 2022… “Stronger Together”
Karen Lowry Reed’s Artist’s Statement for “We Drew a Circle”
I first came upon Edwin Markham’s piece “Outwitted” as a young person. It has stayed with me all these years because Markham’s message is timeless.
He drew a circle that shut me out-
Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.
But love and I had the wit to win:
We drew a circle and took him in.”
As we are all navigating a more and more divided America, I have thought a lot about how we shut one another out and how we may find ways to pull back together. It seems an impossible task on some days, and an opportunity for creative thinking on other days.
Whenever I sit with fabric and a spark of inspiration I am filled with hope. Sewing this piece reminded me that we are indeed stronger together, if only we are willing to keep drawing wider and wider circles that pull more and more of us into love and compassion and generosity.
Two recent submissions…two acceptances…risk taking going well so far. But I still get so nervous while I wait to hear!
I know these are two small town venues, where generosity of spirit is extended to applicants. And I think that’s charming and probably why I gave then a try. But still, I’m kinda chuffed. :-)
Have you tried anything outside of your comfort zone lately? If so, how did it feel? Or maybe you don’t have capacity for risk taking right now…sending hugs wherever you are in the grand scheme of life!
xo