Real friendship protects intimacy and is sustained over distance. Real art is like a bolt of fabric – a creative, continuous process over time. My art is to write about the creation of art.
My blog was started to write about retirement, but has expanded to include travel, art and anything else that amuses me – such as how much time I’ve been spending with fabric. At the first of several post-retirement workshops (three of which were dedicated to fabric) I made this painted silk scarf and promptly gave it to a friend. It reminds me of the many old friends I have, near and far, who have stayed close to my heart.
My second fabric workshop was also silk painting, but using slightly difference tools and techniques. This time I travelled across the country to meet with three new friends that I’d met in Molokai. We bonded further over several hours of creating these beautiful ocean hued treasures on the drying rack.
Lastly, I took a local workshop using indigo dye with shibori patterning techniques. This class was so messy, but fun! I made this piece out of linen, using blocks of wood and vices to control the ink.
Fabric reminds me of a trip I took 9-1/2 years ago (way before retirement or blogging entered my mind.) I spent 10 days on a schooner with a bunch of textile enthusiasts traveling the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Fabric, for many of the villages we visited, was what bonded their communities. Life revolves around spinning, dying and weaving traditional fabrics. I’m so excited to be going back to Indonesia, on a reunion cruise with some of the same old friends to explore additional islands of this diverse and beautiful country. I’ll be writing about that soon!
ARTISTIC PENSION 
Some days its hard to find the words!! when I have those days, I just go for a photo – I have plenty of those.. That scarf is gawgeous – lucky friend!
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Thanks Pam! I rely on photos A LOT!!!
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Your (and now your friend’s) scarf is lovely! The colors are so bright and happy. Enjoy your trip (it sounds amazing), take a few notes, lots of pictures… and tell us about it when you get back. Have a great time full of friendship and creativity!
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I take way more pictures than notes! But it seems to work for me. Thanks you!
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How exciting, Tracey, to be going back to Indonesia! I hope to visit someday, when my cousin retires to Indonesia (from Amsterdam) with his Indonesian wife. I love Indonesian food and would love to learn more about the culture. I hope you will make some posts about this trip. Safe travels!!!
Deb
P.S. your scarf is beautiful!!!
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You should definitely go. Such an interesting country. Thanks!!
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Lovely post. Lovely work! xoxbarb
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks Barb! I’ve updated it quite a bit and added some more photos.
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You are right!
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Thanks Berta! Nothing like posting half of a thought. I expanded it this morning.
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So often I read blog posts and wish I had thought of something that someone wrote first. Today it’s your title that I like, and definitely how you wove it to your narrative. Well done. 🙂 – Marty
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Your compliment was a “golden thread” in my morning (wink). Thank you very much!!
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Tracey, I have never tried to create my own patterns on fabric, but I can certainly see the appeal. I will look forward to your posts about your travels to Indonesia.
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It’s little like water color painting, though I admit I’ve only done silk painting “under supervision!”
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What a wonderful opportunity to go back. Hope you find more inspiration to make your beautiful scarves.
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Thank you Joanne, I’m sure there will be a lot to inspire me. Who knows this time!!
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Hi, Tracey – Your fabric designs are absolutely stunning. You are very talented!
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Thank you!! It’s an unforgiving form of art with the unexpected impact of getting me to relax and just have fun. Perhaps that helped with the creative process too.
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