Dear Lizzie (12 Dec 25)
Dear Lizzie
I write my letters in a notebook, I have always written like that, thoughts scratched out in my almost unreadable and writing, and then typed out. So it’s been almost a week but here it is….
The kids have gone for a swim so I have some time with the flat empty and a beautiful view of the ocean. I’ve just cleaned the bathroom so I now have permission to sit and knit and write to you, aren’t women ridiculous like that.I loved receiving your letter after our day together, something definitely unlocked for me too, your studio always inspires, it feels like such a privilege to poke around your treasures and be one of the first to see your new work. I feel so enthusiastic when I am gushing over sketchbooks, totally inspired. I completely agree about not seeing what others see, what is that? Are we too close to our own work, what comes from our pencils and brushes is too close up, we then can’t remove our gaze and see things objectively. Sometimes I admit, if I go through old sketchbooks, time does allow me to see my work differently. I’ll crop little bits and pieces from pages and sometimes they will lead to new work, little moments on the pages that had previously gone unnoticed. I’m loving the drawing oils by the way, hoping they also bring some new directions.
I think about shared space sometimes, maybe it will be something in the future if I lose my backyard studio when we sell the family home. I do love the quiet and privacy and chatting to myself, no music, just completely in my own head. Strangely that works for me. But time sitting and drawing together (and knitting and talking) gives me a fill I think my practice really needs so thank you so much Lizzie.
I love your woven work so much, it feels like such a natural extension of your home, your craft, it absolutely has to be part of your work, I think you’ve known this for a long time.
The sun has come out down here on the Surf Coast but despite being five days into Summer I’m wearing my woolen cardigan and wishing I’d brought a beanie. I have a list of Christmas knits to make, I love the pressure of Christmas knitting, making December as busy as possible, again, what is that about? Anyway, I can hear voices drifting up towards the flat, quick swim I’m guessing. After showers we will head across the road to the Anglers for a drink with my Mum and we’ll toast to my dad Sandy who passed two years ago today. Cheers Sandy.
x Stacey
