It was wonderful to meet you in person on Friday. I had heard "good things" and had seen your work in the theses of Margie, Ariella, Beth . . .
I had also heard that you are quite open to and understand arts-based approaches as forms of inquiry. I know that not only is this all true, but there is so much more: You ARE an artist! Thank you for seeing through my apples. It's so encouraging for me to know that my work speaks in its own way . . . even when the actual text has not yet been read. I especially appreciate how your honour not only my presence in the thesis but also the presence of my six co-participants, and the presence-to-be of the reader. I will definitely include an end-pocket with samples of the six fabrics to be touches, seen and handled!
I've been thinking a lot about the other possibilities our conversation has opened up for me. In my own handmade paper, I will omit the flower fragments. I'm concerned that the acidity over time will affect the paper too much.
Also, I very much like the burlap imprinted French (?) paper . . . and its coral hue. Autumnal. And perfect with the coloration of the first Magritte apple image I used !!! Setting a tone at the beginning, and leaving a lingering presence at the end. I would like to ask you to "reserve" some of that paper for me, if you can. I will likely need 9-10 bound copies in total.
Thanks so much again: You said that you were tired and that you didn't feel particularly creative. Well, you've given me LOTS already! I'll stay in touch.
Best wishes,
Christine
PS - If you have a few moments, could you please tell me (again) the name of the French papermaking house where the "burlap paper" originated and approximately when??? Those "provenance details" are important to me, and I would love to read up on them a little if I can! They all add additional layers to my work . . .
Christine Van Halen-Faber