― Andy Warhol, Andy Warhol, Thirty Are Better Than One
I love that whimsical description of what being an artist requires--nothing more than producing things that people don't need. Not that all of those useless "things" would qualify as art, perhaps, but that there is an artistic temperament required to steadily turn out things that no one needs.
In the physical sense, of course, we don't need art, but after the physical needs of food, shelter, safety, etc. are met, individuals begin to climb Maslow's pyramid. At the top of the pyramid is not only creativity (morality, etc.), but a genuine appreciation and need for beautiful, creative, inspiring things.
One of my favorite poems comes to mind, Peter Meinke's Advice to My Son. Meinke explains the need for balance in life in such visual ways. We need roses and tomatoes; we need bread and wine.
| S 5 10 15 20 | Advice to My Son by Peter Meinke The trick is, to live your days as if each one may be your last (for they go fast, and young men lose their lives in strange and unimaginable ways) but at the same time, plan long range (for they go slow: if you survive the shattered windshield and the bursting shell you will arrive at our approximation here below of heaven or hell). To be specific, between the peony and the rose plant squash and spinach, turnips and tomatoes; beauty is nectar and nectar, in a desert, saves-- but the stomach craves stronger sustenance than the honied vine. Therefore, marry a pretty girl after seeing her mother; speak truth to one man, work with another; and always serve bread with your wine. But, son, always serve wine. |
I have no idea what happened to one of my favorite tees, but two small holes appeared in it. My solution, as it has frequently been before, was to embroider it. The holes are still there, but at least They look deliberate. I may make more holes to give it a more unified look.
Where is this one? Haven't seen it for a while--my favorite color and favorite stitch.Now, I'm going to have to do some serious searching.Garden Gossip -- dug up two more boxwood yesterday. Have a few more to go.
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I paused in working on this post and browsed some of my favorite blogs. As often happens, serendipity magically sends things my way, and I found this post by Peregrine Blue.
Oh, the wonderful quotes and photos she included in this post. Please drop by and see them!
Love that poem. How wonderful. I love that you took the time to embroider the T-shirt. I tend to throw them away, but your solution is much better!
ReplyDeleteJenclair,
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me that when my mom was still living and the Alzheimer's had gotten pretty bad, she would spill food on the front of her tops. In no time, everything was ruined. I did the same as you, only using the sewing machine to embroider over the stains. She loved it (she thought they were new) and it saved money. You make me think of her so often. Thanks so much for that.
Mary
The holes in my t shirts are caused by jeans or stiff front clsures on pants rubbing on the shirt, causing tiny holes. Most aggravating, I think the fabric is not as it once was--what a clever solution!
ReplyDeleteStephie - Meinke's poem has always been a favorite. You know I love to embroider--any excuse works!
ReplyDeleteMary - I've patched shirts using applique, too. Like your mother, I usually like them better with the additions!
Teresa - These holes were like someone took a hole punch to the shirt. Identical, neat, perfect circles. Oh, well, I've embroidered the heck out of so many tees now, I hardly need an excuse!