Snippets from a bead artist.

3.20.2011

March Bead Journal Project


So. I think this one is pretty self evident. I woke up 3-11-11, saw the posts on FB, and ran to the TV. I started crying as soon as I saw the footage and went to wake my husband, feeling almost the same as I did on 9/11. It didn't matter that it wasn't in America, and that it wasn't terrorists to me, the loss of so much life, human, floral and fauna, devastated me.

Over the next few days, I read many, many blog posts and status updates that shared my sorrow and my feeling that the Japanese people were doing amazing, heroic things to cope with their incredible losses. One of these blogs, by my friend Nefer Kane, led me to fold an origami crane, a tiny little thing to do... but I encourage you to visit her website and read this post, and fold a crane yourself if you are so inclined.

Having folded my crane, I still felt that I needed to create something. I think many of us feel that we must create when we feel strongly, I don't think I'm alone in that at all. My husband and I discussed what would work for me... and we eventually came to the Bead Journal Project. I feel that this square is perhaps not as technically pleasing or precise as it should be; but I was distressed while I made it, and there was a sense of urgency while I was making it, that it HAD to be done quickly... so I just went with it. The feather above the flag represents a great many things, not only in different cultures, but person to person as well. In my case, I meant for it to represent hope, lifting of both spirits and difficulties, courage, and perseverance. Nobility was also something I thought of over and over; not in the sense of society classes and castes, but nobility of human spirit in times of disaster.

19 comments:

  1. it's beautiful Nancy, and thank for sharing.

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  2. Its a good piece Nancy. So much thought and prayer went into it. Its hard to express exactly what is in our heart. Sometimes art is the only way to express it.
    xx, Carol

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  3. this is a beautiful tribute to the people of japan in their time of crisis and loss. i can see that much thought and care went into creating it.

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  4. It is a lovely piece. I am glad you were able to express the unimaginable grief that this tragedy has caused.

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  5. *hugs*

    Well written. Well done. And heart felt. Beautiful, like its creator.

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  6. What a beautiful, heartfelt blog. Thank you so much for sharing this. I love the feather, and the message of hope that it brings to this piece. Amazing work, my friend!

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  7. Visually, and sentimentally, this is beautiful.

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  8. It's really a beautiful piece, and after I read your post I got to thinking that the feather could also symbolize the crane. Off to create a crane. Thank you.

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  9. This is just beautiful!!! I'm way behind in reading my dashboard and other blogs!! Had to see this piece...just amazing!

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  10. Thank you. And Mandy; thank you for creating a crane!

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  11. A beautiful tribute to the people of Japan. What we could all learn from the dignified way that they have handled this tragedy. I'm with Mandy...off to create a crane. Cranes are a big deal here in Alaska, they symbolize so much for us here on the Bay. Thanks for reminding me, they mean a lot to the people of Japan, great tribute!

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  12. Its a fitting tribute. Speaking of cranes....my childrens school in Dubai folded hundreds of them and they are hanging from the ceilings all over in brilliant colors! plus they all paid 10 dollars each one they folded. so that money will go to relief victoms.
    Analisa

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  13. A beautiful, caring tribute, Nancy. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

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  14. This is very striking and full of meaning--a reminder to us all about putting things in perspective.
    Marty S
    Crackpot Beader

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  15. What a lovely tribute. It *does* help to create.

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  16. The balance of beads and the feather somehow is just right....it is just lovely!

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