Building and Rebuilding

I know you probably think I've disappeared forever... not quite.

First, in honor of my 2010 blog readers as well as all the members of the Slow Cloth group on Facebook, I've made a donation to Women for Women International. It's just a small gesture, but I hope you accept it as my thanks to you for reading, for being patient when I write nothing, and for being out there in the world. Women for Women helps war survivors in some of the most ravaged countries on the planet; they help to educate women and girls, and in some cases provide them with things like sewing machines and fabric and dyestuffs to help them earn a living as they rebuild their lives.

I know I have at least some men in the Slow Cloth group, and maybe a few readers here; my choice of a women's cause isn't meant to exclude you. The education and success of women and girls is important to every one of us; they have less power in much of the world than men do, and the consequences of war are greater for many of them. There are so many textile-related, truly wonderful organizations that deserve support; this is just one that resonates for me, and I've mentioned others on the blog, so I encourage you to share what you can with organizations that are meaningful for you, or just do what you can locally to help others. It's been a tough year for a lot of humans on the planet.

Second, I'm on vacation from work until the new year, and I'm hoping to relaunch my blog during that time on a different platform. It'll be called Art Craft Culture, and I'll share a link as soon as it's ready. I know I've been threatening to do that for a while, and I've had to think a lot about whether I should blog at all. At least for now, I think I want to keep on. The new blog will still include a lot of information about textiles, but I hope to broaden the categories as well, to include more art in other media, high and low culture, and, well, whatever else I decide to write about.

It's hard to believe 2010 is almost over. I didn't even begin to accomplish what I'd hoped; I keep thinking that it's been a first-chakra sort of year; for those of who do yoga or other Eastern practices, or know the work of Carolyn Myss or other spiritual teachers, you know that means it was more about getting by and maintaining a foundation than branching out, creating, acting powerfully in the world. I'm trying to acknowledge all that's been good, let go of what's no longer useful or productive, and see if I can move the energy up into the second and third -- and fourth, the heart chakra -- in 2011.

I send you my thanks for being here, and wishes for a beautiful holiday season and new year. Let me know what you're planning for 2011!

Comments

[Robyn Ayaz]

Elaine, I wish you great joy and tranquility for 2011, I know I could use a large dose of both. What a strange year it has been, some terrible personal and global lows and yet some wonderful learning too as I have discovered people like you and Jude and so many others. Looking forward to your new blog.

[marja-leena]

Your presence has always been an inspiration to me. I understand the struggles, doesn't every artist have them? Good luck with the new blog, I look forward to it. Hope this holiday has been peaceful and the New Year will be abundant in creativity!

[Martine]

all the best in the new year and with your new blog from my fourth chakra............
XXXm

[Shani]

I know what you mean about this year.. a sort of year in waiting for us - slow cloth and slow progress... but still it has given us a chance to think through our future.
Best wishes and I hope you do continue blogging, I find your words very inspiring.

Best wishes Shani

[jude]

all the best in the new year...

[Heather]

What a lovely and appropriate gift - thank you. And thank you for all the interesting writing you have given us, and the inspiration. I really look forward to your new blog.
For me, 2011 will be a continuation of trying to find more space in my life, to develop greater patience and to realize at least a few of the ideas I have in my sketchbook.
Happy New Year!