I’m always glad when a new American Craft comes out, but I feel the Winter 2022 issue, which surrounds the idea of “wonder”, covers an especially timely and even necessary topic.  In the first sentence of her opening letter, Editor-in-Chief Karen Olson quotes Marian Bantjes: “We need wonder in order to keep moving and growing – to stay alive in the world”.

This began as merely an experiment to see whether or not the paper I was hoping to use would be able to stand up to stitching.

Solidifying that notion, Olson further states that wonder, as an entity, brings meaning to our lives and, further, makes us human. How true.
That sentiment is often brought to mind at this time of year but, in broader terms and considering world events, it is more important than ever to make an effort to incorporate wonder into our regular day-to-day throughout the full year.

One thing leads to another. Since the stitching seemed to work, why not add some paint?

On that note, I was quite taken by Deborah Bishop’s article within the magazine entitled “Metamorphosis”. It centers on the work of Melissa Meier, specifically her ongoing series called Skins. Using a variety of organic materials (moss, eggshells, grains of rice, popcorn, porcupine quills, etc.), Meier creates hauntingly beautiful garments which evoke fantastical beings. These creations simultaneously highlight Meier’s desire to convey both her sense of connection to nature and to the natural cycles of life and death. The inherent ephemeral quality of her pieces underline her point.

Walking at Martin Point Preserve in Friendship, Maine, we happened upon this little “shrine” just feet from the shore. The color of this bleached shell is so lovely and a wonderful contrast to the craggy seaweed. Obviously someone else was also taken with these gifts from the sea.

When I look at my list of potential future pieces in my fledgling Letters from Home series, I see a similar thread. The gifts of our natural surroundings often offer the strongest emotional representation of and connection with a time and/or place. How remarkably powerful that something as simple as as a hank of seaweed and a lobster claw shell, washed ashore and sun-bleached, carry with them the capacity to evoke memories that are central to what I think of as part of my core and my sense of belonging.

Unexpected Relic   © 2021 Elizabeth Fram, Watercolor, pencil and embroidery on paper, image size approx. 6″H x 5.5″W   Thanks to my monthly critique group who encouraged me to follow through on my inclination not to fill in the envelope completely, instead leaving space for a viewer to mentally complete the flaps of the envelope themselves. I think it makes for a much more intriguing result.

As you move through these last weeks of December, may the wonder of your personal connection within the world and to those you care about bring you much joy and meaning. Wishing you very Happy Holidays and much gratitude for the time you spend here with me all year long.