Lisa Blomquist
Artist Statement
All the women represented within Grandmother in Me had no idea of their impact on the artist. Grandmothers passing down their humble works of crochet items, needles, instructional illustrations, and love of music from one hundred years ago. A mother’s critical eye on sewing details and the yearnings of her own spirit, unrealized. Nurturing Cuban nuns who engendered the art of embroidery, giving the artist her first encounter with a needle and colorful thread. These were commonplace and routine gifts, yet influential, allowing the young girl to feel joy, creativity, and empowerment – a sense of calm when the needle assumed position between her fingers and began the motion of stitchery. In the practice of touching fabric, the repetition of stitch and knot, the rhythmic hum and rumble of the sewing machine, there was a prayer and a mental place of sanity when all was not sane. Let Grandmother in Me summon us all to understand the depths of our influence on those we unknowingly touch. Who will act out our commonplace routines? More importantly, will our influential routines bring peace and strength during the storms of life?
Grandmother In Me, 3D mixed media 33" x 44"