gungho girl

So there is a part of me that has felt starved for a few years and with the added motivation of seeing ghosts I unpack a piece I started but never quite completed.

A awhile back my friend, Bert, sent me link to the The Institute For Figuring to show me pictures of the coral reef exhibition he had just seen. The Institute For Figuring crocheted a fibrous coral reef model as a testimony to the disappearing natural coral reefs due to global warming and pollutants. The images of the reef were very life-like (even in some of the textures) and I really fell in love with the shapes that made the reef. They’re amazing.

With the coral reef project and many of their other exhibitions, the IFF also celebrates the combination of mathematics and crochet. I’m interested in where geometry and art intersect, however, I not very mathematically inclined. But, I feel I obtain an intuitive sense of certain forms of math (and some sciences) through my exploration of art.

At the IFF website I found instructions on how crochet this form.

n + (n + 1)

I’m working with a pattern where n = 4. If n = 4 then the form is created by repeating this one sequence.

4 + (4 + 1)

For instance, I crochet 4 single stitches and increase on the 4th stitch and continue to repeat. So I now have a set pattern that is reminiscent of 4/4 time. I think about chanting. It is rhythmic and repetitive – something to accompany me on this journey as I create this form.

In the beginning, I documented the process in miniDV. At that time, thoughts of endurance and duration were whisking about my head. But I lacked the stamina at the time to endure the labor and dedication required of the piece. I was focused solely on establishing myself as a filmmaker. Nurturing the artist felt like a luxury of time I couldn’t afford. I placed more faith is creating a livelihood with filmmaking than creating as an artist.

As I unpack this piece, it begins to feel like a meditation. Knitting and crocheting always elicit this state in me. The processes of both techniques also feel kinetically similar to my experiences with rosaries or sandalwood beads.  So now this piece feels like a manifestation of prayer.

The prayer is Metta. Loving – Kindness. That is what I feel when I hear Metta, when I think Metta, when I remember to breathe Metta. At present, I practice Metta on myself. The poster at the bus stop reminded me I need give myself more Metta – then I may be able to have enough to share.

May you be happy & peaceful.
May you be safe & protected.
May you be healthy & strong.
May you live with ease & well being.

Each stitch fits each verse including the increase, which adds another layer of perception that helps me hold mindfulness as I proceed. The color reminds me of grounding, a practice that is valuable for daydreamers. I carry this object with me.

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At present, this is my example of Art.