I am the Ancient Apple Queen, As once I was so am I now.
For ever more a hope unseen, Betwixt the blossom and the bow.
Ah, where’s the river’s hidden Gold! And where’s the windy grave of Troy!
Yet come I as I came of old, From out the heart of summer’s joy.
William Morris, POMONA
Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend! So lovely having everyone home here. My husband Vic took two weeks vacation, which is a first, and my son is out of pre-k for his winter break. Today I’m going to relax a little, visit the in-laws with the family (our Sunday ritual) and hopefully get some sewing time in. Thanks to everyone who’s started following my new blog! I’m really enjoying sharing my sewing journey with all of you. I love the sense of community and being able to show off my creativity.
After designs by Sir Edward Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898) and John Henry Dearle (English, 1860–1932)
Produced by Morris & Co., London (English, 1875-1940)
Woven by Walter Taylor (English, 1875–1965) and John Keich (English, active 1890 –1910) at the Merton Abbey Tapestry Works, London (English, 1881–1940)
Art Institute of Chicago (currently off view)
So you may be wondering where I came up with the name of my blog. I’ve been reading a wonderful book, The Rainbow Way: Cultivating Creativity in the Midst of Motherhood by Lucy H. Pearce. It has really inspired me to embrace my creativity and make time in my sometimes hectic life as a mom for my art. She has a section in her book where she speaks of the Muse and how it brings forth our ideas and inspires us.
That got me to thinking of my muse, Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, fruit trees and gardens/orchards. I think this relates perfectly to my ultimate dream of using the abundance of my own (future) garden to start a natural dye business focusing on my own fashion designs. My blog is the first step in that path and hopefully everything else will follow as my kids get older and I have more time to focus on creating.
My love of the tapestry Pomona (Morris & Co.) and focus on the Pre-Raphaelite artists in my earlier printmaking days has always been an inspiration. William Morris inspires me as the founding father of the Arts & Crafts movement. He was a true renaissance man: poet, embroider, pattern designer, dyer, weaver, novelist, and early social activist and environmentalist. Everything I aspire to and want to delve deeper into with my own art and craft.
One response to “What’s in a Name?”
[…] putting embroidery on pockets! I was inspired by William Morris and his pomegranate designs. My blog is named after Pomona, the goddess of fruitful abundance, so I though it was fitting to make my embroidery compliment […]