I began this piece with stitching together leftover stamped fragments on this rose/pink cloth. First the stars, moon and sun and then machine stitching. Started to look like a center part of a lantern (I like lamp shapes) so I added this suede cloth for the top and mottled brown for the base. I bought the suede way back 25 years ago so this became a perfect choice to finally use it. After adding beads and ribbon it felt complete to me. I see this lamp as a metaphor for lighting my way into new work. Below is an excerpt from my journal that speaks of this internal lamp: Could this be my needed lantern? Not a direction but a companion for travels unknown to me. I'm facing new places, lists, templates and fabrics. Maybe now spirits can be lifted and I might move forward. The fool is met and guided. The lonely heart is held once again and hope returns. I'm challenging myself to 9 or 10 larger pieces with a strong ancient storyline...so I'm pleased about beginning!
