Thursday 15 January 2015

All is Calm...

The week started well and it was back to work on Monday morning making samples for this term's classes. This was a bit of a diversion as I am working on a big project... a commission that I'll promise to share with you when it is done, and much as I would like to devote all my time to finishing that, getting samples done for this week was a matter of urgency! Last minute as ever...
 
 
Just as I was feeling in control of the situation there was a message from youngest son... "are you at home?" I have written about him and the obstacles he has overcome in his life on many occasions... here, here and here! He makes me proud on so many levels... equally he drives me crazy! There were times when I didn't believe he would ever get back into mainstream primary school, never mind be studying for a degree and living in a house with three strangers 80 miles from home. His achievements are huge... and I really wish he could see that and believe it too. Because what I don't write about are the daily struggles with depression and anxiety that at times completely cripple him and make me despair of him ever being happy. A conflict with his housemates and a panic attack late on Monday night brought him home on Tuesday and it has been a few days of turmoil. My life has felt like it was put on hold for 48 hours. But this afternoon he feels better and he is returning to Guildford this evening... several days earlier than anticipated.
 
 
I'm sure life with him will always feel like two steps back for every three forward but at least he is moving forward and I take hope and encouragement from that.
 
Meanwhile I'm trying to take enjoyment where I can and this week I had the first class in a series of five that I'm taking to learn about egg tempera (or tempura as my lovely husband calls it) painting. I suppose that painting and drawing were my first loves long before I discovered embroidery and textiles and it was a complete joy to immerse myself in mixing the pigments and painting this tiny illuminated letter. The time just flew by... and it took hours, believe me!
 
 
I've much to learn and a long way to go before I'm happy with the results but I just know that it is going to be a very enjoyable process. I'm desperate to paint some more but for now... while calm has reigned once more on our household... I really need to get on with that commission.

22 comments:

  1. He's done so well and we all have set backs at times don't we. I'm sure that coming home to mum was just what he needed to regain his confidence and drive again.
    Lovely colours in both the stitching and the painting :-)

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  2. One of our grandsons has similar problems to those of your son. It must be so hard to let them fly the nest and try to fend for themselves. At least they both know that Mum is always there when needed.
    Your silk landscape is delightful and the illuminated letter is exquisite. If I could afford it I would commission a Book of Hours!

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  3. I'm glad your son was able to recover and go back to his housemates, he is stronger than he knows as you say. Your eggy painting is just beautiful and if this is a beginning I will be in awe of where you end up. Love the embroidery.

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  4. I am glad your son is able to return to his studies, I think it is difficult for anyone to learn to live on their own, let alone for someone for whom life poses more challenges than we maybe can imagine. I am also glad you find strength and enjoyment in your art, which is beautiful. x

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  5. Good wishes flying your way to be passed on to your son.

    I loved doing temepera at Art College - so very many years ago!

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  6. Well even if it is three steps forward and two steps back, it is still a step in the right direction. Bless him he just needed his Mum for a little while and it obviously worked, so well done Mum!!!
    Enjoy your painting.
    V x

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  7. Your tempera painting is beautiful! And I love that feeling of being lost in creativity. Hope things continue to move forward for your son. I am reminded of the oft cited quote that to to have a child is to have a your heart walking around outside of your body... or something to that effect. I'm also reminded that it doesn't get easier as they grow up - only different!

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  8. That textile is such a joyful little piece! Wonderful colour. I used to do lots of illumination, yes absorbing and quite therapeutic.

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  9. you are such a clever lady Gina that illuminated letter is stunning. I bet coming home for Jake was perfect respite from the problems he was dealing with and bolstered him up to carry on again. He must have a lot of courage.

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  10. Your "tempura!!" letter is beautiful!! It looks totally amazing and is wonderful!!!! I wish I had something wise to say about your son, but I don't, but, I am sending you a massive hug and also remember, as you said, even if it is little steps, he is going forward and returning quicker than expected is a good sign of that isn't it. Hugs to you! xx

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  11. Oh gosh, that textile piece is gorgeous; it's so lush!

    Your boy (for he will always be your boy, however tall and hairy he gets) has climbed huge personal mountains, and he's done so well to get back climbing after this latest set back. Big hugs for you all.

    xx

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  12. Gina, when I began to read this post tonight, I first was attracted to the photo of the layers of fabrics, which reminded me of a mixture of landscapes.

    As I read on about all that was in your diary for this week, I thought...only Gina would be able to manage all this. And then, as I read about the message from your son, I realized that, because I have had the pleasure of meeting you and getting to know you beyond blogdom, that you would do your best to help him.

    When we next meet up, I will let you know more aobut my own stretching towards independence in my young adulthood.

    It's good to learn that your son has returned to Guildford, and that you are returning to that commission.

    Best wishes to you and all your family, dear Gina. xo

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  13. I hate those phone calls, but at least they feel they can talk to us. That's something! Well despite the happenings you have a veritable feast of colour there. Love it!

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  14. lovely embroidery and I've just read about your son... I didn't know... it's a testament to you both how good he's doing!

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  15. Lovely work - would love to attend one of your courses

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  16. Gina, it's sounds like one step forward and two steps back but the positives for your son are there. Glad it is resolving. That illuminated letter is beautiful and I admire you tackling egg tempera. Everything I've ever read about it would make me run a mile. I envy you that attention to detail but then, that's what makes your machine embroidery stand out.Keep on saying that word... enjoy, enjoy, enjoy....

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  17. I love the collage - fab colours and textures. Well done to your son for being able to climb back up after each knock down - what a mega achievment for both of you. x Jo

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  18. I didn't know you were a painter first - though now you mention it, makes perfect sense.

    No matter how in control we feel, our children retain the power to derail us in a trice, don't they? I just wish for resilience for all of them. And a home that's always a safe haven.

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  19. Oh Gina -- that little A (for meeee? LOL) is just beautiful! I'm sorry to hear about your son -- we never really stop worrying about our children, no matter what the circumstances. I hope he has a good return back to school.

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  20. Glad that Jacob has returned, a good step in the right direction, send our regards to him. Well done for keeping busy!and enjoy your creativity.

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  21. I love your layered landscape and envy you the course in tempera, proper medieval painting. You've created a lovely illuminated capital there.
    Do hope Jacob settles back in Guildford - it's so hard when they move away isn't it, and even harder with a special young person like him. I hope he gets all the support he needs from the Academy, he obviously gets bucket loads from you :-)

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  22. I just love both these pieces of work - the painting is remarkable, not least because of the miniature size! And I absolutely love the embroidery, and the way you have captured the details of the landscape in just a few lines of stitch. Good that J is feeling better and able to go back so quickly - surely he knows we are all rooting for him too?!

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