After spending the best part of the day in Cambridge on Monday, I whizzed into London last night for a rather special concert. My eldest son Ben was playing at an end of year concert at Morley College where he has been studying Jazz piano. Ben started to learn piano at the age 5. When he was about 8 we moved and had to find a new teacher. We arranged for a first lesson and as we approached the front door we could hear the sound of Honky Tonk piano wafting into the corridor. When we went in and spoke to the teacher, who was all prepared to carry on teaching classical grades, Ben just refused saying he wanted to learn to play the music we had just heard.
Ever since then he has played honky tonk, stride, swing and jazz. As a little boy he hated to perform, so it was wonderful last night to listen to this confident young man perform and play so well on a fabulous Steinway Grand accompanied by drums and double bass. I'm biased I know but he was brilliant... as were the rest of the class. I just wish I'd thought to record him but I was entranced!
But now I really must stay home and finish my Open Studios preparation. I was at my sewing machine at 6.30 am this morning in order to finish this last canvas... 6 hours later it is hanging on the wall.
I've had it in mind for quite some time to make a bigger version of these appliqued and free machined canvases... so this is it... 50 cm square. It seemed so big when I was stitching it but it doesn't look big on the wall!
And now I really must clear up, hang all the other pictures, make labels and price everything, otherwise I'll never be ready by Saturday morning...
But you know what it's like... I keep thinking "What if I just make one more of these, or a couple more of those..." The less time I have left, the more ideas I seem to have. Perhaps I should just write them down and start making for next year!
How lovely to be able to play the piano - it was what I longed to do as a child but could never afford it. Best of luck with your open studio - I know what you mean about having a rush of inspiration when time is tight - strange how our brains work this way. Jo
ReplyDeleteYour work is beautiful, lovely colours and patterns. Very inspirational. Good luck with the Open Studio, I wish I lived closer
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful skill your son has, to make music which brings such joy to people xx
I would love to have a child who actually enjoys playing an instrument! Well done for raising an amazing musician. Enjoy your open studios. x
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to listen to your son's concert - I love piano music of all kinds.
ReplyDeleteThe new canvases are beautiful - I love the blend of fabrics and the way you have used them. You are not a respected machine embroidery tutor for nothing!
you must be SO proud Gina and well done Ben for sticking to his guns about the type of music he wants to play. My son is a passionate drummer and we're just looking for uni courses etc for him. Love the style of your canvas, very modern and as always, such clever machine stitching.
ReplyDelete'Just one more!' Yes, I know that feeling well. What a stunning canvas, Gina. I love the colours you have chosen and the détails are so dear to my heart.
ReplyDeleteHow PROUD you must be of your son. Music is food for the soul and wonderful when played by someone we love.
You must be very proud of your son and rightly so!!
ReplyDeleteLove the canvas and yes, right it all down!
Best wishes for your open studios!
V x
Like mother like son! You are a talented artist so is your son.
ReplyDeleteNext time, don't forget to record him if you ever have a chance ;-)
Keep up the good work for open studios
Arlette.
Not based at all, a very proud mother, wish I was in the UK to go visiting your open studio.
ReplyDeleteYou have every right to be biased - he's your very talented son! It must have been such an amzing evening watching him play on that very special piano :)
ReplyDeleteI love your canvas design and I know exactly what you mean as my head seems to fill with ideas when I know I have no time to make them. Go with the notebook idea - that sounds like the perfect compromise.
Good luck with your open studio and I hope it's a hugely successful weekend.
xx
Stay biased. What a great accomplishment. Good luck for the open studios. Wish I lived nearer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill that must have been for you, biased or not!
ReplyDeleteI like that new canvas, a lot.
Good luck for tomorrow.
How wonderful it is to listen to our own kids make music! My son has played the guitar since he was 7 and he's always known exactly what he likes to play too. We bought him a new acoustic guitar for his birthday in May and our next camping trip he's promised to bring it along and will play for us around the campfire. Your appliqued canvas is wonderful! Love all the details and swirls and ferns. You'll have to share at least one photo of your open studio before the door opens. Good luck with it all tomorrow! Wendy x
ReplyDeleteHow proud you must be of your son! I love the piano. I think it is such a versatile instrument and of course, best wishes for your open studio event.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you to watch your boy's performance. I love the piano, still have the one my parents gave me when I was 7, but neither child here showed any interest in learning to play. Hope Open Studios goes well.
ReplyDeletesomething Nordic and Marimekko in your stitched flowers. I'm sure that one is sold to a happy new home!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful canvas. Were you sewing to the sound of honkytonk still ringing in your ears? Ax
ReplyDeleteYou must have been so proud, and how great that Ben found a teacher to inspire him. I just read this post to my Mum and Dad (they both like Honky Tonk) and she wants a copy of his first album x
ReplyDeleteI know all those feelings so well - the lump in the throat when child is performing; the urge to keep on stitching when really you need to stop now and get things finished and ready....!
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