Dear Liza,
My mother always said that you should keep learning and growing, even when you get old, like me. I have tried to do just that by practicing French and reading about history. But sometimes I learn without even trying!
Seeing beautiful art, at PAM and around town, lets me see art in other things, too. The ironic way tiny leaves grow in giant mill stones, or the precision of paving stones joining together, or how tidal puddles create a mosaic out of Haystack Rock… these are accidentally, perfectly beautiful.
Light plays tricks, too. I saw a reflection of myself in a glass display case at PAM and put myself into the picture. The shadow of Le Chat Noir was as beautiful as the sign.
All this seeing has lead me to make some art. I started this pillow as embroidery practice almost two years ago, with just some circles traced from bowls in the kitchen.
I have finally started my piece of art inspired by the colors and places of Portland, with fabric I bought last fall. It will be an impression of a map, a feeling, rather than one you could use to get around, but you can see the west hills, downtown, the river, and the Eastside. This is just the first layer. I will show you more as I make it happen.
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 