Powerful Patterns
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Dear Marion,
Energy...whether powerful, calming, vigorous, exuberant, active, electric, magical, etc., it motivates us to act upon and achieve goals or possibly/simply the ability to check off items on our to-do list. I try to approach each day with a plan...yes, I know big surprise, particularly after I had my first child. It helped to keep my focus, eye on the ball or the golden ring, moving forward. Sometimes it is simply two steps forward and one step back, regardless my handwritten lists have been a way to reduce anxiety even when I wasn’t completely aware that it was brewing. There is something so rewarding when I cross that item off the to-do list. Throughout the era of the cell phone, I have tried to keep my lists digitally but it doesn’t bring about the same result. I enjoy paper, the feel of it, the color and texture. The smell of a new book or one from a library just appeals to my senses in a way that an iPad, phone, or laptop just doesn’t allow. I have come full circle with technology in that I use my sketchbook for notes, sketches, lists, and then compile them on my iPad for letters, emails, and even this blog post.
I love patterns whether created in nature or by a designer in a textile, piece of pottery, mosaic, sculpture, photograph, or even a painting. It is the energy that is captured through the movement of line, color combinations, and textures that fill me with emotion and passion. My first memory of a man-made piece of energy through pattern and color was our living room rug when I was a child. You told me it was the first thing you purchased when you and dad bought our home and that you planned the design of the living room around that rug. We had hardwood floors at a time that wall to wall carpeting was coveted and this sunburst rug was large and made a statement for not only the living room but also the foyer, stairway, and dining room because they were open to one another. The large almost floor to ceiling window took up the width of the room and allowed a beautiful stream of sunshine onto that rug. I loved laying on it and staring out the window up into the sky. The rug was all the colors of the sun ...shades of red, orange, yellow and it complimented the mid-century modern furniture as well as the paintings and sculptures. Pure energy in that room that didn’t have a t.v. and yet was occupied often by one person reading and/or thinking or a group for conversation and celebration.
Last year, I chose a graphic pattern of storm blue and pale grey for our stairway runner. There is a texture reminiscent of a Norwegian sweater and bonus it is hearty and able to disguise our innate ability to destroy the materials we live with and walk/run on through the day. This is a home that is not large and every aspect is used and enjoyed fully. It is a challenge to carve out space for all of my family’s needs while recognizing the connection between the rooms and the open visual connection between the spaces. I have never liked wearing matching pieces or living in a space as such. The word eclectic comes to mind and it may appear as though the items are all different but I do like there to be a thread that connects it all together.
On our honeymoon, Andrew and I went to Africa and stayed in a variety of beautiful places filled with local furniture and art. One such place, before we went on safari, was a grass hut with a beautiful zebra rug next to our bed and we laughed how I would not walk on it. I had not been aware of ever standing on a real animal hide before and it felt disrespectful. I didn’t quite understand my reaction other than to say it was mesmerizing and it felt alive. Once we went out on our first day of safari, I was overcome by emotion. Everything everywhere was so incredible...this life long dream brought about every emotion I could think of from joy, extreme fear, anxiety, awe. Color, pattern, and texture in full explosion. All of this filled both of us in different ways but nevertheless, the outcome was the same- an overwhelming sense of passion for the energy of this incredible place and all it had to offer.
The animal's (hide) patterns are not only their identifier but allow them to blend into their environment for survival. For me, these strong graphic patterns make such a beautiful statement whether in nature, art, or design. There is a rhythm in particular to the pattern on a zebra. The bold distinct lines start and stop and contain a relationship to one another moving around its body. The movement reminded me of the ebb and flow of family. Each unique family member grows and matures at their own pace and may fall out of sync with their parents or siblings but often over time they come back around and help create a new rhythm.
Thanksgiving this year is a unique one and for most families their rhythm may be out of sync. Let’s not forget the year 2020 is but a line within the pattern and there will be opportunity again to create a new pattern and with it a unique and new rhythm. Your grand daughter and I are trying a new recipe this year and it will be full of flavor and made with love and chocolate with one particular family member in mind. The Chocolate Pecan Pie.
As for the living room rug you chose first (before the furniture) all those years ago, you told me that it was the wrong way to design a space. Someone told you that the furniture should be chosen first and then research and shop for a rug. I think you were right in your motivation because that rug drove your passion for the design of your home, creating a rhythm and joy for all who entered and experienced your unique space.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Talk soon,
Forever Yours
Quote:
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
Abraham Lincoln
16th President of the United States
American statesman and lawyer
1809 - 1865