The Sturdy Gal didn’t expect this.
That someone, who in fact she raised, as much as one person can raise the mystery of another, would call those flat shoes “Stalwart.” The drudge ennobled, zero ballgown.
That’s me, pretty obviously, in a shirt knit, on a machine, less obviously, by my son, in his clothing/art/project, Summon-Elemental. The shirt is made of silk yarn: cornsilk-colored body, forest green lettering. I’m also wearing a blue-green apatite bead bracelet, white UNIQLO jeans, and a still-decent haircut.
Patrick (for that is my son’s name) wrote up the origin of the project in the note for his inclusion in a now-running exhibition at the RISD Museum called, Any Distance Between Us. Swipe through his Instagram post to read his story; he’s eloquent.
I do like my understatement, in the face of feelings. Some stories aren’t mine to tell.
View this post on Instagram
As the project evolved, Patrick began to sell his works. They can be found here, on his website, where the lettering is, I promise, more legible.
(Note: If you are in an office a few of the photos are NQSFCW, AKA, Not Quite Safe For Conservative Workspaces).
As an aside, pop star Troye Sivan wore one of the tank tops to perform in a show leading up to the MTV VMA Music Awards this year. An aside. Ha. Laughing at my High WASP self, as you all have taught me to do.
Finally, as of last week, Patrick launched at Maimoun, a New York online store. From their About page:
Our focus is finding new and established artists who honor the traditional, slow and thoughtfully carried out process of creation and construction.
Several pieces sold out right away–they are one-of-a-kind–but a few are still available.
Yes, I am proud. It goes without saying, I’m sure, and yet the older I get the more I believe in telling people every single good feeling you ever have for them. I could go on, but I’m going to treat this as I do all art and assume that whatever you take away on your own is more meaningful than anything I might write.
Have a stalwart weekend. Aren’t we all heroes in good light?
31 Responses
Congratulations to Patrick on his part in this exhibition which looks to be a very good one. And congrats to him on the successful marketing of his one of a kind garments. My condolences on the loss of his father.
It appears that Patrick made very good use of Pandemic time.
Thank you so much.
I love this, for both of you
xoxoxoxoxoxox
I love this…and you wear it well. You have every reason to be proud.
Thank you very much.
Bravo to Patrick! That piece looks great on you and STALWART is a noble quality, underused word, and good character trait to celebrate.
Thank you! It is underused. Let’s do something about that;).
Lovely to hear what your family is up to and impressive as always is the emphasis in the arts for Patrick. I love reading your posts because your writing resonates with my thoughts most often.. Best to both of you
Lovely to hear from you. Of course, all the afternoons in the Weaving Room come back, right? I am so happy to know my thoughts resonate with you. It means a lot. Hope you and your family are doing well.
Wow, congrats to Patrick! I think making art is a great way to work one’s way through grief and tough emotions. (And my condolences too.)
Thank you very much. I hope your way is happy now.
How cool is Pat!? Happy Birthday!
Ultra-cool! Thank you;)
Lisa, This is wonderful! I am going to check out the links tonight, but I love the clothes in the photos, especially the sweater he made for you! You have every right to be thrilled!
(I love the name Patrick. It’s my son’s middle name. And he went to college in Providence, so I’m very familiar with the area around RISD.
Thank you! Patrick is an awesome name;). His friends call him “Pat,” a lot, and I’m always like, “Who is Pat?!?!” I hope your son is doing well.
Your son does beautiful work! I think he has something to say about comfort.
Luci
Thank you! And yes, that’s very perceptive, I think he does.
That’s a good looking shirt, I like the sleeves. Did he pick that embellishment just for you?
Best wishes for him in his endeavor.
Thank you:). He gave me the choice of two words. One, Loss, as was one of his first pieces, the other, Stalwart. I told him that at 65 Loss felt all too near and I’d love Stalwart.
I’ll bet you’re proud! Strangely, just before I read this, I was chatting via Messenger with an old friend about the virtues of being sturdy, and checked the derivation. It included stalwart, a quality I very much admire. Mind you, sturdy is also a noun meaning vertigo in sheep, caused by tapeworm larvae. Swings and roundabouts, obvs. PS: that hair. Oh, my…
Of COURSE it’s a sheep disease too;). How could it not be LOL!
He’s so talented. These items are works of art, as are the photographs of him in them.
Love your sweater, very cool and you must be quite proud.
Thank you! That’s what has amazed me, the way he’s made art out of his talent, new skills, life sorrows, and his being. I am very proud.
We’re the same age, and I think believing “in telling people every single good feeling you ever have for them”… is lovely. I am going to adopt it straightaway.
What a wonderful couple of humans you raised, Lisa. Or if not “raised” maybe shepherded. But then again, you’re a pretty special human yourself. xo
Aw, thanks. I kind of imagine you already did tell people the good stuff;).
Another BayArea parent of an artist Patrick smiling at the success of your beloved creative child (they are always in some way our child) , a difficult and hopefully rewarding life in this time and place.
Well, just WOW!
Your son’s work, heart, soul, body-as-canvas are all beautiful and extraordinary. The show note he wrote for his pieces was eloquent. I look forward to what he does next.
That Stalwart shirt is stunning. And “stalwart” is such a good word. What a revelation these clothes are – unique and marvelous. Oh, yes, you should be thrilled! Isn’t it amazing what our progeny do!? We can only acknowledge in wonder. Meanwhile, I’ve fallen madly in love with Patrick’s fabulous red “Hallelujah I’m Ready” shirt. It has my name on it (so to speak)! :) xx ~Alex.
THis is dated Oct. 30 and it was a great read but is there no blog post for today Nov. 6 ? Talented son.
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