Several years ago, I found the books of author Joan Anderson. She described her life transition as her sons graduated from high school, she faced an empty nest, and her husband announced a new move. Not wanting to relocate again, she took a year to stay alone at her family’s beach house on Cape Cod. During this time, she met ninety year old Joan Erikson, wife of psychoanalysis Erik Erikson, on a walk on the beach. Together they made weavings on hand looms, using colored yarn to represent each stage of life they had lived. (See Wisdom and the Senses by Joan Erikson.)
I have played with these ideas for several years while studying human development. In Lifeweaving #3 , my interest in art and life transitions are merged. The final strips–silver and gold–representing the 8th and 9th stages of life are finally woven.
My next step will be to layer the top with a batting and backing-basting the woven strips in place and quilting to add more texture to the design.
After designing and beginning this piece, I found an interesting book, Plaited Patchwork by Shari Cole, in our local library. Shari describes her method of weaving fabric to make quilts that was based on the Pacific Islanders’ plaiting techniques for making woven mats. Interestingly, her method is very similar to what I was already doing for Lifeweavings #3.
While weaving the fabric strips, I wrote in a journal as I focused on each stage of life–What were the strengths I gained at that time? What experiences contributed positively to my development and creativity? What artistic designs, motifs, and techniques have been gathered over the years? I will use these writings as part of a workshop and book on our life’s creative journey…
So as this part of my project is finished, the quilting will begin… I will keep you posted on my progress– that is…my lifeweaving!
Related articles
- Joan Anderson, Author (www.joanandersononline.com)
- Time – Linear or Circular? (jonibeach.com)
- Thursday In the Studio – “Slowly but Surely” (jonibeach.com)
- Lifeweavings: A Creative Journey (jonibeach.com)
- Tuesday…”In the Studio…” (jonibeach.com)
- Tuesday…In the Studio – “An Artist’s Response to Materials” (jonibeach.com)
Joni Beach 
I like the “process” focus, and finding ways to notice how it contributes to my self-awareness and self-confidence…thanks for sharing 🙂
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You’re most welcome. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts! My Best, joni
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Your weaving is beautiful, and I love the meaning you have behind it. I really had never thought of trying to express myself through the design of my quilts. It is something that is really interesting to consider.
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Thank-you Beth…hope you have fun as you design your next quilt! joni
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I can’t wait to see the finished product. You are really challenging me to find ways to express myself in what life has given me. To actually look back on our lives and see what each stage has brought me to. Thanks for the challenge.
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You’re welcome Tami! I will be working to finish this piece as soon as my work space is organized… 🙂 joni
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Hi Joni, “The un-examined life is not worth living” is a quote from buddhism. Your quilt is allowing you to examine your life and express it in an art form which is fantastic. I look forward to seeing how it looks after you quilt it. I haven’t used my artwork to express my life, but now you have me thinking about it. Well done. Cate
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Forgot to say I love your quilt !!
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Hi Cate, I love the quote…at different points in life it seems in order to move forward I must visit and consider the past and present. The best to you on your creative endeavors…thanks for the encouragement on my quilt! joni
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Really nice thoughts and thinking. I like your work! I must come back to your blog for a really good visit. Thank you
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Thank-you Martha…I’m glad to have you visit–any time. 🙂
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RE:Thursday In the Studio–The Final Stages… – Joni Beach НПП Валок Ролики печей цемзаводов
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