Fabric Book of Memories

The inspiration for the Textile book was my late mother in law who's passing was very raw at the time for myself and the family and this was a way of processing the grief we were all experiencing at that time. It was a cathartic process, not just for myself as the artist but for the family who treasure it today. Below is the poem that accompanies the book:

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A Million Feelings, A Thousand Memories, One Person – Page by Page:

 

Our days are forever changed without you here

But our memories of your wonderful life- we all hold dear.

Your love for your church, choir and song, we fondly remember how you loved a singalong.

 

Your pride and love of pretty things; silk scarfs, pearls and fancy rings.

But not in that shallow way – oh no! Just a beautiful lady, independent and grown.

 

Your wonderful home-the family hub

Where hungry grandchildren searched for shortbread and grub

Where adults chatted, drank tea and wine and felt safe with you to laugh

And sometimes even, cry.

 

Our chats in the garden over a cup of Earl Grey, about your days gone by and the ones who got away

I saw you as a person, not the mum-in-law to be feared

You made me feel welcome and our beautiful friendship appeared.

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The love for your cats will be remembered too! Your treatment of them was testament to you;

Your goodness of heart, and maternal spirit, your faith in this world and those you loved in it.

 

And how could we forget your famous recipe book?! Where tiny portions would make empty stomach’s grumble, but all would be forgiven when you brought out your crumble!

 

And my final memory of you; your words to us when you were well: “Look after Sage” (your son, your friend.) We promise we will, Marian, until the very end.

 

And so, this is my goodbye: a book to help us remember as memories are all we now have and what helps keep us all together.

 

Night, night, sleep tight x