The year 2020 was a year I'll never forget. I have neglected my blog because I just did not know how to put my experiences into words, so I poured all my thoughts and feelings into my art.
As a result, I probably had my most productive year ever! One of the pieces I completed - 'no tears' - is the focus of this blog post, and it expresses much of what I've had simmering in my heart and mind for all those months.
I decided to enter it in an art competition, so the moment finally came to make an attempt to verbalise things.
Artist Statement:
What started as an experiment in colour and composition became something very meaningful for me when I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in July 2020. Having determined to be as positive as I could during my operation and subsequent radiation treatment, I did not cry (although I came close a couple of times) when my entire reproductive system was removed. I said goodbye to it and thanked God for the source which birthed my children. I now can feel only gratitude that I have been granted a freprieve. The buried cloth I incorporated for the background became even more significant after facing down what could have been a death sentence. I found courage I did not know I had, and stitch by stitch, I recovered. With an excellent prognosis, I am again free to pursue my art and my passion into the future!
Artist Bio:
As a designer, artist and passionate upcycler, my underlying philosophy is to create products and source materials as ethically as I can. I find and reinvent vintage and preloved clothing, fabrics and other materials with natural dyes and deconstruction techniques, allowing them to inspire my work. Materials for eco dyeing are mostly foraged from our own property, where I can manage the trees and plants respectfully. My business is based in northeastern Tasmania, Australia; this is where I display and sell my work, host exhibitions, and run workshops.
I am also a qualified teacher, with a Bachelor of Education, Art major (distinction) and a Diploma of Art Craft Design/Textiles. I opened my gallery/studio in St Marys in 2003, and feel passionate about recycling and zero waste. This informs all my designs and inspiration.
Along with a 1-page CV, I managed to get it done and sent a few hours before the deadline. Now I have to wait until April to find out if my entry has been accepted! [Postscript: ‘no tears’ was not accepted for this particular exhibition but I was successful in my application for the ‘Minds do Matter’ exhibition later in the year. To find out more, click here.]
I read your lines with authority, even though we are very far away, fate has somehow placed an equal burden on us. In November 2020, a tumor was discovered in the colon, surgery followed by half a year of recovery.examination, another tumor in the kidney, no therapy was needed at all times. a healing jacket was made for both recoveriesI’ve been symptom-free for 2 years now, now I’m trying to learn ecoprint plant painting, I love it, it makes you forget all the worries, needlework, great therapy, I hug you with love, lots of beautiful work, all for both of us Marika Hungary
25 years ago I faced the same challenge. For many years textiles went out of my life but now I face different challenges as a carer and I am picking up my needle and thread once more. It is turning out to be very therapeutic.
I love this piece. Glad you found a show that appreciated it. Most important, I’m glad that you were able to be helped by its creation. I’m seeing this cathartic reaction with many of my friends — our art is so much more than expected
Your work has so much meaning and feeling. You faced a huge mental and physical challenge and your gentle touch with people and your work, as well as the love and devotion from your loving family, gave we outsiders a glimpse into your strength and creative energy. Thanks.
Your work has so much meaning and feeling. You faced a huge mental and physical challenge and your gentle touch with people and your work, as well as the love and devotion from your loving family, gave we outsiders a glimpse into your strength and creative energy. Thanks.