Stroud Artist Books had a theme this month of 'Quietly'. While writing down the title, a poem came to me which became my inspiration. As I thought further about the theme it became associated in my mind with 'gentle', 'soft' and 'white' so I decided to create my 'book' out of fabric. Paper would have been too harsh and stiff. The choice of fabric was important and I finally chose some muslin which, although more difficult to stitch, suited my criteria. I had looked at using an old shirt or something like a cot sheet but liked the idea of a baby's dress because of other connotations. The poem was printed by hand in three sections - the front bodice, around the hem and the back bodice - before hand stitching the pattern pieces together.
Quietly
soft as doves
a white feather sinking
sunshine, early morning
a dog asleep.
the silent servant,
passing her master's room,
knowing the stair that creaks,
steps beyond stretch
out into the yard.
allowing the chickens to un-roost,
the bees to hum into life,
flowers to straighten,
words unsaid to fall from her lips
catching them with a finger
to place quietly,
on her lover's cheek.
