AMY MEISSNER
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Linens, ghosts and bravery.

5/7/2017

24 Comments

 
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
Work in progress, Christine Chester.

I don't travel alone much, but recently spent time in Lincoln, Nebraska for the SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) "Creation to Curation" conference (I'm a regional co-representative in Alaska with Maria Shell). Despite the 3-hour time difference for me, I was still up at 4:30 or 5 am each day.

Once of the people who stumbled into that Early-Morning-Inbox-tapping-quietly-so-I-dont-wake-my-roommate space was Christine Chester.

She asked a question, which I'm sharing with her permission, and while I'm no expert, I gave her an answer I wish someone would grab me by the shoulders, look me in the eye and give to me.

Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery | Sarah Gawler Photography
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery

​"Hi Amy,
​

I wonder if I could ask you a question about your Inheritance Project and your approach to working with your mystery box gifts. 

To set it in context - I am working with old handkerchiefs which have been gifted to me by various individuals - as a development of my work on dementia/loss of memory/identity. 
I am struggling to balance the respect I want to show these gifts of someone's quite intimate possession and the necessity to affect them in some way as an artist. 

I desperately want to use them all - I want everyone to see what I see in them - I want to show every single detail. But the artist in me wants to change or affect them for the purposes of communicating my thoughts.
​

You work so sensitively with your materials I wondered if you wouldn't mind sharing any thoughts you might have on your approach. Though you may choose not to and I would completely understand that. 

Thanks

Christine"

Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
"Fading..." (105cm x 45cm), 2011. Christine Chester.

Just to be up front -- this isn't an advice column, nor am I clear on what the hell I'm doing MOST of the time. I'm not a how-to guru and pretty sure I'm no teacher, but Christine had questions about work I felt I could answer since none of these concerns are new to me. I think about them all the time with regards to an artist's choice of materials, my unanswered questions and a deep respect for makers known and unknown.

Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
"Holding An Absence" (Approx 150cm x 180cm), 2015. Christine Chester.

So I responded with the letter I'd want to receive, and Christine graciously allowed me to share our private early morning correspondence. 
​
Hello Christine,

Thank you for contacting me and for asking such a compelling question. It’s one that I’ve periodically let my mind wander to, but have decided not to get hung up on, and here’s how I do this:

1. You are the final inheritor of these objects. Unless anyone has asked you to not alter an object (and I have had a woman give me something, then expressly ask me not to “cut it up”…I’m still trying to figure out the work around on that one), then it is yours to do whatever you want with. Guilt. Free. No matter what your mother/aunt/grandmother/neighbor/friend/stranger says. When contributors contacted me about the Inheritance Project, I sent an email indicating that the form of the object would change, so I could give a heads up right away and allow them to change their minds. No one did (except that one lady, but she never got the email, she just gave me this thing in a driveway…long story…).

Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
Final Pockets images, (approx 15-20cm x 6-15cm x 5cm with knotted slings), 2015. Christine Chester.

2. Balance the beautiful and the terrible. Decide what falls back and what comes forward, and when. If it’s all terrible, then its a travesty to ruin old linens. But if it’s all beautiful, then it’s nostalgic craft and doesn’t prod at the deeper living questions, which is what makes this work your art. I often approach this balance through technique. No one can say I’ve destroyed something old and precious if I’ve re-constructed it with the utmost care. Often the terrible is layered, sometimes it is on the surface, but it’s always there. Either in a work's bones or in its graffiti.
​
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
Work in progress, Christine Chester.

​3. You are offering these objects a new life. I have about 80 handkerchiefs that I, too, am going to work with, but in community art workshop form, re-distributing them to others and teaching them how to work with this old cloth and found objects, then combining it all into one larger piece. Some of these handkerchiefs still had the labels on them, from 50 years ago — they were never even used. I have a friend who coined the phrase, “Save the best for never.” Is this the right thing to do? It’s what many of our mothers/grandmothers did and somehow that guilt has passed on to us. So stop it right now. You have an opportunity to create a compelling narrative, using old cloth and bringing awareness to your work, your sensitivity and these items. You have every right to do this. The best has come to you now for a reason, so don’t save it. Use it.
​
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
Work in progress, Christine Chester.

4. Show up. You can very easily put this project on the back burner, worried that you will offend someone. But here’s the thing: you probably will offend someone. Some. ONE. (One person contacted me to say she was offended that I was asking for free materials when I should be frequenting thrift stores and buying it myself. Of course, she missed the point of the the project, but her outrage forced me to hone my message and be more clear about my intent). However, the majority of people will see your work and feel moved. Some to tears if you do your job well. So show up every day and work, even if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing. Go to sleep every night thinking about this project and the answers will come. Write about your work so you, too, are clear on your intention and ready to defend yourself and your choices as an artist should you need to.

I hope this helps.
It’s helped me to write it all down here. I’m grateful you reached out, that was brave.

All the best,
Amy
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery
Book cover for final MA project, Christine Chester.
Christine Chester, UK Artist | From Linens, Ghosts & Bravery. | www.amymeissner.com/blog/linens-ghosts-and-bravery | Sarah Gawler Photography

Christine Chester is a textile artist working with mixed media and stitch and her current work focuses on the loss of identity resulting from dementia. In 2015 she had a gallery at the UK’s Festival of Quilts in Birmingham featuring many of these works, and also gained her Masters degree. Christine works as a teacher, specializing in print & dye processes, design and stitch. She runs a specialist teaching studio in Eastbourne, on the south coast of England. Recently accepted into the prestigious Quilt Art group, Christine is also a member of textile group unFOLD who had a gallery in 2016 at the UK’s Knitting & Stitching shows in Alexandra Palace & Harrogate.


​In short, this lady is no slouch. I can't believe she wrote and asked me ... well ... anything. I'm totally honored to be a part of her world and her sensibility.

* Portrait photography by Sarah Gawler of Sarah Gawler Photography. Other images courtesy of the artist.


Also on this blog:

For other artist profiles, click on the sidebar category: Find Your Teachers (then scroll past this post, which will appear there, too).

One year ago: ​Unicorn Heart
Two years ago: Soul Fever

Newsletter news:


I sent one out mid April, and a second one especially for contributors to the Inheritance Project. If you signed up and didn't receive one, please check your spam/clutter box. If you'd like to receive a pretty newsletter with links to blog posts and upcoming news (maybe once a month ... maybe), you can sign up for it here. I promise I'm not spammy.

24 Comments
Helen Geglio
5/7/2017 08:43:09 am

Thanks you for sharing this powerful dialog between two thoughtful artists.

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/8/2017 05:51:23 am

Hello Helen,
It's always such a treat to see your name pop up here -- another thoughtful artist whose work I learn from an admire.
Wishing you well--
Amy

Reply
Olga Norris link
5/7/2017 11:52:43 pm

I come from a long line of women who spent their lives making and remaking beautiful everyday objects, which now reside in cupboards and attics, and because I and my two female cousins are childless will most likely end up as landfill. At least textile work will mostly be kind to the environment and will make beneficial compost. (I suspect my own work will end up that way much more speedily!)
We live in a time and place where so many have so much leisure that we can develop our creative skills to attempt to make art. It is only fitting that we build on the work initiated by our foremothers and aunts, but that we fashion it as best we can into objects with relevance to our own era. Beautiful traycloths and pillow cases were created to enhance the experience of everyday lives; now they can be used to enhance the experience of fundamental thinking and attitudes to society, and to our humanity.
Indeed, it is essential that these handworks of the past are used as much as possible to enhance understanding in both present and future.
I do not work in this way myself, but am old enough to have participated in the traycloth making era, and do repurpose gloriously embroidered pillow cases from my grandmother and before as lavender bags for my clothes. Every morning when I take out a pair of clean knickers I give the lavender bag a squeeze, and remember.
If the pillow cases had remained intact and patched and used, I would curse every time I had to iron them! Appropriate use and re-use is the respect that is most fitting I believe.

I admire both of you artists for the work you are doing. Your thought-provoking pieces achieve so much more engagement with the past which has informed us, as well as showing us where we are now.

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/8/2017 06:03:11 am

Olga,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. You've added more depth and richness to the conversation, and I appreciate the time you've taken to do so. Artist, Joel Otterson, shares the story of collecting all the hand-embroidered linens gathering at the curb after his 96-year-old neighbor passed away and her great grandson moved in and made room for his "home entertainment center and to rebuild his Chevy 427 engine on the kitchen floor." The work Joel created from those discarded bits of a life in the '90s is still a tribute to the woman whose hands created it all in the first place.
I wish you well--
Amy

Reply
Elizabeth Woodford
5/8/2017 06:33:22 am

Thank you both, Christine and Amy, for sharing this !! Good bye to ancestor guilt- that tape has been running in my head lately as I reach to a stash of old things- some still with labels, to make some change and express my feelings as an artist!! thank you Thank you!! Very recently I had a woman chastise me about my work at a gallery show. she identified herself as an "Artist" and said that I had done things all wrong with my piece that was multi layered and created on a surface of used tea bags. She did all this before asking me any questions or reading the title. Appearently there were too many birds and it was too tight???? I let her talk and said " To each his own" and let her talk some more- the piece is about he fragility of our environment with effects often first seen in small fragile populations- frogs birds, think DDT. She is gone and I am thrilled with myself for not really engaging with her- it would not have been pretty. I did explain my purpose but in a very non confrontational way- she simply walked off. CLUELESS!! ONWARD!!!

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 08:48:25 am

Elizabeth,
While this was probably not the time or place for another "artist" to confront you about your work (especially its technical aspects...really?), I think it's a good exercise in how one might gracefully defend one's work should this ever happen again. Because guess what -- you have every right to be heard, ESPECIALLY at the opening of a show, and you need to be prepared to defend your choices, your vision and your stance. (You also have the choice to protect yourself and disengage, which it sounds like you did beautifully) The 30-second elevator pitch/statement is always helpful in a situation like this, but I also think it's helpful to have a buddy on high alert. When you pull a Carol Burnett by tugging on your ear, that buddy swoops in for a quick rescue when your attention is being dominated.

Did I just give away my secret? Totally kidding. Here's where I inserted a statement about how I actually pick my nose instead, but deleted it because it was crass.

XO
Amy

Reply
Dianne Robinson link
5/8/2017 07:12:42 am

What a timely conversation. I took in a box of bed sheets and pillow cases from my sister-in-law. The sheets have a heavily embroidered top portion and pillow cases to match. The sheets were meant to sit on the top of a bed so aren't big enough to use as a sheet (and they'd have to be ironed!). They were all done by her grandmother and great grandmother and she was tossing them! I'd like to quilt them (which would eliminate the need to iron)and perhaps dye them so that I can return some to her family to be used and enjoyed. I think your comment about just show up and get started is what I needed to hear. Thank you.

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 08:52:48 am

Dianne--
I'm so excited to hear that you have a plan that doesn't involve ironing sheets. My mother still irons sheets, and while they're lovely to look at (and sleep in), this isn't a sustainable activity for my household. Your ideas are a wonderful way to gift these items with a second life. They deserve it. We, as artists and women, do too.
XO
Amy

Reply
Tammy
5/8/2017 08:06:35 am

Amy you know I have my mothers sewing room stash. But I may not have shared that as I went through her collections of fabrics and other belongings I also discovered that we both shared a love of embroidered pillowcases and crocheted dollies which I am now altering. At some point I will share this new work. Also I have been repurposing clothes for a while. I get both stares and compliments. Even my own family feels that my garments are "strange" and wonder why I dress the way I do. I have to practice accepting that it's ok and still do what I want. So I'm here hurraying yours and anyone's art and mark making or creativity that uses alternative materials or using what we have without buying new supplies or using up those beautifuI creations that women poured so much time into. You and any artist who creates gives permission to all of us who have secret desires to create and tell our own story in our own unique way!

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 08:55:13 am

Tammy,
It's always a pleasure to hear from you and imagine what fabulous cloth items you are creating alongside your paintings and portraits. We should all 'Hurray' one another more. We will all rise.
XO
Amy

Reply
Lorie McCown link
5/8/2017 08:15:20 am

Who knew there were so many stitchers of linen stories out there? Your response is a good reminder to us to use the saved things from the past. Sorry I wasn't up for the 430 fun and games..

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 08:58:53 am

Lorie,
4:30 Fun and Games aren't pretty and breath is lousy anyway. I'm immensely inspired by your work, your thoughts and your kindness...at any hour. So grateful to have you in my circle of friends.
XO
Amy

Reply
Agnes Palko link
5/8/2017 08:15:39 am

Thank you both for this exchange of ideas, it was so good to read it. Amy, you actually COULD do an advice column, I for one would really appreciate it when I feel stuck :D

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 09:01:15 am

Agnes,
So lovely to hear from you! I think this blog is, and remains, an advice column to myself. I'm always shocked when other people read it and are moved. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
XO
Amy

Reply
Sarah Nickel Ellis
5/8/2017 08:45:49 am

Amazing conversation. Much needed and appreciated. More later. Thank you, Amy, Christine, and all who replied.

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 09:02:31 am

Sarah,
Thank you for taking the time to read the post and respond here. Looking forward to that "more later" part. This is such an incredible community.
XO
Amy

Reply
Jo-Ann Mapson
5/8/2017 02:23:23 pm

Hi Amy, we cleaned out my mom's stuff and I have so many weird linens--handkerchiefs, tiny doilies, tinier yet, these small squares about 3 X 3 with a technique my older sister called "tearing" and I have never heard of it. If you're interested, I can send them, or possibly give them to you when I am up in July. I know they will sit in a box here, and the mice will get them. But please say no if you're overburdened with stuff.

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 09:05:51 am

Jo-Ann,
I would love these things and I'd love to see you in July. Send in advance if you don't have room in your luggage and let's carve time for a studio visit. I want you to see the piece "Materfamilias" that I made with one of the quilt tops you sent years ago, before the Inheritance Project even was a thing.
XO
Amy

Reply
Bozena Wojtaszek link
5/12/2017 01:10:21 am

That's very thoughtful post and you're very clear on your approach to the subject. And from the aesthetic point of view I fully agree with you.

The thing I wouldn't manage to deal with myself, as an artist is in the "ghosts" part - I wouldn't be able to bear all the emotions carried by all those textiles. Every time you opened the new box I was just scared to death :)
Yes, I do work with textiles from the past (or generally - used by others) but only when I know the former user. It is all about the emotions- I have to know what the former user was going through. Then I can (or can't) deal with the piece.
So for me you are a very brave person!

In case you wonder - it is the same reason I can't wear clothes from second hand shops. But have no problem with my friends' or mom's dresses.
Keep up your amazing work, your respect to the past leaves no doubts and you really give a new life to those pieces with no harm!

Reply
Amy Meissner link
5/14/2017 09:10:33 am

Bozena,
So lovely to hear from you! You aren't the first person to mention this to me. A dear friend worried for me, actually, over the amount of energy I was absorbing from these items. But I work with myth and theme as a way to process the narrative (or lack of narrative) coming my way. There is still a personal aspect to the work, but I'm merely a conduit. The energy flows in, but it also is released.
XO
Amy

Reply
Natalya link
5/22/2017 03:13:42 pm

Dear Amy
What a wonderful question and answer... and all the comments here after! The answer meant a lot to me. So nice to hear from kindred spirits about the materials we all cherish and work with. And cherish working with... Gosh I still have so many family and gifted linens and so little time! May have to share with you again!
Thank you! and I can't wait to meet you!
~N

Reply
Amy Meissner link
6/10/2017 07:59:20 am

Natalya--
Somehow I missed this comment last month, but I sure loved spending time with you in Athens, OH. I hope you are well!
XO
Amy

Reply
yolita
6/7/2017 08:51:58 am

great work and article<a href="https://tekstilsayfasi.blogspot.com">,</a> keep doing!

Reply
Amy Meissner link
6/10/2017 08:00:40 am

Thank you Yolita!
XO
Amy

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    Amy Meissner, textile artist. Photo credit Brian Adams, 2013. www.amymeissner.com

    Amy Meissner

    Artist in Anchorage, Alaska, sometimes blogging about the collision of history, family & art, with the understanding that none exists without the other.

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