BEING so caught up in daily life and work in London, I find it hard to believe that not that long ago I had an escape to a tiny town in Switzerland, amidst the countryside. The much anticipated workshop with India Flint has come and gone... and it was such undiluted pleasure of the simple life that so many of us are beginning to crave. The location it has to be said, was perfectly fitting. Anne- Marie's farmhouse where everyone was welcomed and perhaps pampered with her delicious home cooked meals and desserts. For days after I came back I was daydreaming of her after lunch coffee and cakes. ummmm...
Meeting India was an absolute delight. It becomes immediately apparent what a gentle soul she is. So are her ways with colour, plants and textile - gentle, caring, interesting and in harmony with nature - beautiful. There's something about the experience of picking up leaves and weeds from the garden and bundling them in cloth with other objects found, then unwrapping them the next day and finding out how the plants have transferred their beauty into textile, something that will last longer and give someone the pleasure of colour and pattern. Suddenly there is so much possibility all around!
Although I'd done similar things before, it was different when its done in open spaces with a garden and others of a similar mind, love and care towards textile and the environment as well. Along the way I was picking up some tips - small and big - of doing things, perhaps slightly different methods which would be so useful. A true revelation for me however was stitching. I had only done it before for coursework, never for pleasure. But there's something about siting by a table under a canopy of fragrant wisterias, or huddled around a fire with everyone while it rains outside, or by the window overlooking the garden sipping coffee that will definitely change your mind about hand stitching. At least it did mine. In a matter of only 2 days I was suddenly drawn into the meditative repetition of hand stitching. I'd never thought of it as therapeutic until that day. I almost couldn't get enough of it! So much so That I found myself stitching on the flight back!
The simplicity of the whole process was just brilliantly beautiful. At times it felt quite ancient, with the uses of such simple methods and the most basic tools. At times it felt gentle, kinder, simpler and for all these reasons and more, it felt beautiful and satisfying. After much pondering, I think the right word is ...connected - to nature, the environment, the seasons. To be a part of it and have that relationship of co-existance in total harmony, even for a few days, that was the peace and pleasure. hunting and gathering for plant material that's the adventure, unwrapping the bundles in anticipation and then finding surprises, that's the excitement!
I met some really amazing and interesting people during the workshop. Much appreciation goes to Janet who made all the arrangements, organised the workshop and drove me to the workshop everyday! And a warm gratitude to Anne-Marie who took good care of us and for her amazing meals. And to India, a heart-felt thank you for sharing your wisdom and stories and your generosity. This was most definitely an unforgettable time.
