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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Personal Histories

I have begun to explore the book/s I shall contribute to Rob Foster's exhibition "Personal Histories".  There is nothing to limit the books except the title; and given how personal each of our lives is, there will no doubt be enormous diversity.

I have gone around the mulberry bush several times so to speak thinking about what to send; but have landed in a small and intimate space.

I had thought about my grandmothers and great grandmothers, and have a couple of book ideas for that; but pulled back for two reasons. Firstly I needed to get more oral history and memory from my parents, but they are away travelling for a bit. But secondly I felt the need to not make the book tooooo personal.  I didn't end up wanting to have truly personal photos or stories of me or my family on public display.

I had thought I would, but then I drew back.

Instead I have been playing with the frames for photographic slides; and have been mixing them with fabric and words and paper.  They are telling a personal history of "living a life".

I am using crochet thread for my stitching - linking back to my grandmothers.


I am resurrecting a working piece I began ages ago not knowing what it would become...


Lots of play and trials happening...



Cutting into the fabric!


Enclosing the words and fabric in slide-frames. Slide nights were a feature of my childhood, and bring back lots of memories.



Pages emerge...

I am enjoying how this wee book is coming together - a two-way conversation between us; including chats and nods to my parents and grandparents along the way.

12 comments:

  1. Wow! Using the slide frames is a great idea! And they're so teeny tiny though. Aren't they difficult to work with? Or is the challenge part of the fun? Can't wait to see the finished piece. Enjoy!

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    1. I'm back on the computer and not the phone so can finally reply! Thanks Jennifer - the slide frames are tiny and bait fiddly but not too bad really. It has been fun trying to work my way thru this one. Go well.

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  2. somehow being less personal becomes more personal...for the reader. i like that. and the "windows" are such fun!

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    1. I like that way of thinking about it Velma - being less of my 'personal' allows the viewer to find it their 'personal' too - thank you!

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  3. love this Fiona, have thought hard about doing something for that show but simply can't go there or can but wouldn't put it out in the world!

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    1. I hear you Mo! It is really really hard. I accepted gleefully, and have struggled ever since to find a way to express personal things in a truly public manner...

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    1. A chance find Ronnie, tucked away until now...

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  5. I think you have found the perfect balance of personal as well as universal...connecting your personal history of your grandmothers on a more universal level... wonderful.

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    1. Thank you so much Donna - it has been a real struggle but I think I am finding my way through...as Velma says it also lets it be personal for others in a way. Go well

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  6. I've used slide mounts Fiona and they are fiddly to work with. I bought an old slide box and thought about placing the 'book pages' like slides to be picked up in order but I love the fact that you stitched them together. I think Velma is spot on when she says that being less 'personal' will in fact make the book even more personal and intimate for the reader. I always love 'accompanying' you when you're thinking through an idea. You are always so considered and focussed. Send some of that my way will you?

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    1. Thank you for your words of wisdom and support Lesley! I love the notion of NOT stitching and leaving them in a slide-box; that would be great! I loved Velma's thought and am glad you agree - it allows room for others to find their own stories doesn't it? It's always a pleasure for you to join me in my ramblings - you always add something that helps! Go well.

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.