Fence Sitter 26.5x60.5cm acrylic and paper on wood
alpaca wool
Chance is a wonderful thing. I am by habit a creature of routine, but I often wish that I could live with more spontaneity in my life. I remember a time, long before husbands and children, when I would wake in the morning and simply do what I felt like at that time. I am quite sure those days will return to me, but for now I am strictly routine.
This is a round-a-bout way of explaining how I came in to possession of the gorgeously warm alpaca caplet - for want of another description - that I now own. It occurred one afternoon in the playground at school. There is a half hour time lapse between kinder pick up and the primary school bell, in which time parents with older children assemble around the playground and stare in disbelief at the amount of energy their four year olds still have at the end of the day. This is where I met Alex. Both of our boys are in the same kinder room, and as they played on the slide together, it seemed only natural to say hello. We soon discovered that although we come from vastly different backgrounds (engineering/ art) that we both have a creative soul in common. Alex knits and creates her own one off pieces, some of which are for sale in boutique shops in Mount Eliza and Mordialloc.
It was Alex who suggested that we swap our artistic wares. We discussed our progress each afteroon in the playground. She brought her knitting to school pick ups and I showed her the photos I had taken of my days progression. Our ideas developed and changed, and by the end of the project we were both feeling apprehensive about revealing the work to one another. It is always difficult when making a work for someone. They have expectations, you have artistic vision. There is also a desire for perfection in the work. I think this is because it not only reflects yourself, but your regard for the other person.
Needless to say we were both absolutely thrilled with the outcome. Thanks for the inspiration Alex.
