Ali George Artist

  This wonderful book, sadly out of print, inspired the growth of hundreds of marigolds, the collection of what seemed like a million cobblers' pegs seed heads, and the planting of several banksias in the new gardens at Kalbar. The day temperatures recently hit the early 40s - definitely no time to plant anything. However weeds and seeds abound in the new estate and Judith Hallett's experimentation and wisdom have blessed me with some gorgeous silks and protein-treated cottons / linen prints. 

Experimenting with curves and abstract trees and branches. Part of a new quilt for my exhibition with Rebecca Staunton Coffey later in 2024. Lots of hand printed and hand dyed fabrics that, when cut into slivers, made really great trunks and branches - textural and lifted the otherwise flat appearance of each block.  

For years I've been dyeing and hand printing most of the fabrics I use in my practice. Each piece has been unique and, to an extent, difficult to replicate. I wanted to bring my drawings, prints and doodles to life and this is the first. I really like the feel of Spoonflower's Petal Signature Cotton, although the background would have been better as pure white - this piece has a blue-ish tone. I'm going to love putting this piece under the needle.  

I have kept nearly all scrappy offcuts and tidyings of my hand dyed and printed fabrics. Over time, I have joined these into what is a rather large ball. I added some other bits and pieces to create a colourful bowl. I love how the transitions of colour are so random and spin outas is from the sun. Serindipity at its best. I'll continue working back into this by hand to add marks and other embroidery. From a fairly quick and easy project, it has become a slow stich, comforting project.  

My 2024 priorities remain almost the same as 2023 and my word for 2024 is "grace".  Asking myself, how do I respond to life, people, events and me with grace? What does grace look like for me? How do I incorporate grace into my arts practice? What is the sound, colour and taste of grace? I want to record, privately, something involving grace shown to me or given by me each week - something that goes beyond random acts of generosity or the easy gratitude when things go well. I like a description attributed to  John Baldoni  of grace as being about doing something unearned (for want of a better word) for others, respect for all and all things, as action for change, compassionate concern and the energy that is of us. For the coming year,  #1 priority - create. Every day.  E V E R Y single day.  #2  priority - turn up. Participate fully.  #3 priority - ditch and cleanse. End one way transactions disguised as relationships, recognise when I should know...

Stormy weather nearly every day has kept me inside. This week I went back to paid employment after nearly 5 months away to move house, set up studios and offices, study and generally stay sane. Lots of time to reflect, to be still in the afternoons and listen to the grumble of thunder, or watch rain bursts fall over the mountains.  Now that I'm fully functioning (well almost) in the studio / office space it has made a huge difference to establish my routines and settle into them like falling into an overpadded lounge chair. The last 5-10 minutes of every visit is set aside to put everything back in its place, to tidy, sort, prepare and clean up before the lights go out, the fan slows to stillness and the sliding doors meet in the middle to signal the end of another day.  It's now time to be gentle, and keep the promise to myself of stress free Christmas holiday. We're unplugging, as far as we can, from the digital world and have banned phones at the table during meals, conv...

One of those books that almost needs no review or enthusiastic write up - it just is sumptuous, full of texture and inspirational stitch that's as good as chicken soup for the soul. The pages are thoughtful, intentional, about bringing meaning to mark-making and embracing where you find yourself, whereever that is. Fleaur's love of nature  intersects with her strong encouragement to explore, experiment and above all be at one with stitching in the ways of needle, thread, a cup of tea and taking time.  I found more than a 'how to' and more than the superbly photgraphed processes - this is a wonderful free-form meets the joy of being still. I have loved every page, some I pour over again and again to take in the rich, visual texture and find new perspectives every time I revisit. Koa Press is a New Zealand Publisher, and the book can be purchased through Can Do Books .