Slow and steady

Gradual progress is being made on my current piece, it is slowly taking shape. The linen is beautiful to work on and the stitching therapeutic.

Work in progress

Over the last few months my work has had to take a backseat while we completed renovation on our home. Many hours have been spent painting walls and ceilings, not interesting artwork. I found it very hard to feel like working on my art with so much turmoil around me, but that is now coming to an end and I am working on a new embroidery piece below. This will take pride of place on my art room wall when completed. I have found the embroidery very relaxing and it has definitely helped me to unwind. I am truly blessed 2 of my children have become engaged in recent months and both couples are getting married in 2015 so a very joyous and wonderful year ahead to look forward to.
I will post updates on the progress.

Wonderful exhibition by dear friend Gaye Lincoln

On Saturday I attended the wonderful exhibition of my dear friend Gaye Lincoln.
Her work along with John Cottrell, Callum Douglas and Martin Edge opened at the Anthea Polson Gallery Seaworld Drive, Main beach. Their exhibition will be open until the 4th October and the work is outstanding.

Bruce Reynolds Studio visit and Workshop

On Sunday September 14
I was fortunate to attend a workshop with Brisbane Artist Bruce Reynolds. He kindly gave us the
opportunity to visit his studio to see how he works and participate in a plaster workshop.This  opportunity was made possible by the Museum of Brisbane many thanks Hilary for your wonderful programme. A fantastic day was had by all.

experimenting with different levels and patterns

Sculpture in the city

I visited the city precinct this week and was fortunate to come across these fabulous pink bunny
sculptures. Check them out if you get a chance.

Amazing time in Cairns

It has been a busy and inspiring month for me and as a Mother's Day/ Birthday gift my wonderful daughter gave me a return flight to go to the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

The fair showed the exceptional creativity and diversity of Queensland's Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artists. It was a truly magnificent exhibition, with over 300 Qld artists represented 13 Indigenous art centres and seven galleries. On display original paintings, prints, weaving, pottery and sculpture.

This was taken outside the wonderful KickArts Contemporary Arts Gallery in Cairns.

We also enjoyed wonderful exhibitions at the Regional Gallery, Canopy Art Centre

and Umi Arts Gallery.

So grateful for this wonderful experience.

New work in progress

19.6.2014

New work is currently under way.

I am working on linen using embroidery

I love the vulnerablility of thread.

My hand drawn images are being transformed,

the work close to my heart.

Helen Keller quote inspires

22nd May 2014
Today I read a beautiful quote by Helen Keller
" The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they
must be felt with the heart"
this quote has inspired my new work so I look forward to sharing with you the continued journey of  feet and the heart.

Not finished the journey

After having some time to think and reflect on the exhibition. I have come to the conclusion that the feet have not quite finished their journey. They are meandering a little and stepping out in a new direction. Not quite sure which direction they are heading, but I am sure they will find their way.

Time to reflect

17/4/2014
                                                                  Time to reflect

I have been very fortunate after such a wonderful exhibition to have a break away with my husband
at the coast. Some time to relax and reflect and be truly grateful for the wonderful family, friends and support I have in my life. Along with the joy I get from my artwork. Possible new projects are on the horizons and I am excited to get back into the art room and begin experimenting. I look forward to keeping you posted.

marvelous messages continued...

71.
"Trust your intsincts and trust your body. Life may be busy but your life is far more important."
Shared by Emma

72.
"Our feet allow us to move forward along our journey. So we can live the life we were meant to live.
Admire these beautiful companions. Care for  them, thank them and love them."
Shared by Claude

73.
"Believe in yourself and be true to yourself."
Shared by Kiri

74.
"Peace of mind and independence of spirit."
Shared by Margaret

75.
"Growing up mum and grandma always said women can do anything."
Shared by Tammy

76.
"Your significance is not found in who you are and is only found in WHOSE you are."
Shared by Grace

77.
"Seize the moment and seize the moment with laughter, and with integrity and with kindness."
Shared by Jeanette

78.
"Wherever you are, be there."
Shared by Mari

79.
"Don't look to far ahead because you will miss what is right in front of you."
Shared by Jenny

80.
"Slow down, and appreciate what you have and be happy. "
Shared by Rose

81.
"Live in the knowledge that you were created special and valued."
Shared by Jaan

82.
"Enrich your life by giving it away to others."
Shared by Joan

83.
"Remember you don't have to say yes."
Shared by Ros

84.
"Listen to the music of the spheres."
Shared by Margaret

85.
"Have the courage and confidence to chase your dreams."
Shared by Mattea

86.
"Does the house really have to be spotless"
Shared by Geraldine

87.
"Be happy, Be real, Be yourself."
Shared by Pat

88.
"Take the time to hug those you love everyday."
Shared by Amanda

89.
"You are worthy of love, kindness and good things no matter your past. Remind yourself God created you with a purpose. You are beautiful, smart and unique. You are loved."
Shared by Katie

90.
"Be grateful for choice everyday."
Shared by Angela

91.
"Respect yourself and remain true to your principles, and remember, none of us can go back, but we can choose how we go forward."
Shared by Jacqueline

92.
"Follow your dreams otherwise they will die."
Shared by Svenja

93.
"Dance, Dance, Dance."
Shared by Yvonne

94.
"Keep the courage and persistence to be the person you want to be."
Shared by Nonie

95.
"Today the helping hand holds hands, but tomorrow it will hold a heart."
Shared by Sharon

96.
"In love life and happiness anything less is unaccecptable."
Shared by Michelle

97.
"In case you get hit by a truck tonight....."
Shared by Lauren

98.
"Take your bra off as soon as you get home."
Shared by Kelli

99.
"Try to embrace change."
Shared by Lauren

100.
"I am waiting for the answer to come..."
Shared by Laura

101.
"Don't let doing something alone stop you from doing it."
Shared by Emily

102.
"Listen to your selves, not your "shoulds". There are no shoulds
Share by Denise

103.
Don't ever be afraid of being single. When accepted and embraced, the single life
can be just as fulfilling and beautiful."
Shared by Joan

104.
"Down through the generations mothers have imparted advice to their daughters some ignored and some taken.One that sticks in my mind from my mum is to always leave the house with clean undies on because you might get hit by a bus and don't want to be embarrassed at the hospital.This has stuck with me over the years and surprisingly used in my everyday life. I  Translate this as being prepared for anything that life throws at you."
Shared by Lynda

105.
"Remember you are beautiful, that you belong, that you are a wild and powerful wise woman."
Shared by Heather.

More to inspire you..

61.
"May we women always be as kind to ourselves as we are to others."
Shared by Lea

62.
"Don't focus on the destination, enjoy the journey."
Shared by Amanda

63.
" Take one day at a time."
Shared by Jan

64.
"No one ever went backwards with a little encouragement."
Shared by Kaye

65.
"You were created with a plan and a purpose in this world. You are a connector, a joy bringer
and infinitely loved. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29-11
Shared by Martine

66.
"Don't believe what you read in the magazines, beauty can't be bought. It doesn't come in a bottle.
Women are not dolls, we are living human beings with our own unique thoughts feelings and abilities. Beauty comes from self acceptance and having courage to value and express ourselves."
Shared by Amy

67.
"Trust your intuition, trust your gut feeling, trust yourself."
Shared by Rosemary

68.
"Its so easy these days to get trapped and feel overwhelmed by the logistics of life.
There are many demands on a modern woman. We fail ourselves and the world when
we don't consciously give time to our passion. Our soul purpose has no hope of
shining through, and therefore our unique gift to the world is in jeopardy of never
being received. We need to honour ourselves, as much as our responsibilities."
Shared by Moira

69.
"Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that you can make anything happen."
Shared by Marita

70.
"If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, your right."
Shared by Kerry

Wonderful messages continued...

37.
"Your past is not your future. What you've done is not who you are. I know because I used to be a drug addicted prostitute but in 1999 I let Jesus love me back to life and now I am free. Free to love, free to live. I want you to know that you are loved, valued and created with a purpose. Yes, I mean you!."
Shared by Bronwen

38.
"Always have courage to be yourself."
Shared by Cherie

39.
"Don't start looking after others each day until you know what special way you will look after yourself each day."
Shared by Janet

40.
"Even from a great chasm you can fly high."
Shared by Denise

41.
"You and your life are going to be a mixture of both good and bad. Your life is about building
resilience and finding beauty and meaning in the contrast and the struggle, and that's wonderful."
Shared by Fiona

42.
"My women friends are my ties to my past, my roads to my future and the keys to my sanity."
Shared by Morag

43.
"Be happy as your happiness affects others."
Shared by Rie

44.
"Never say you can't. Tell yourself you can. Just roll your sleeves up and do it."
Shared by Karen

45.
"When my eldest daughter was 12 years old she told me that we could all change the world.
 One person at a time."
Shared by Lisa

46.
"Jesus saves. I wouldn't have known the light if I didn't experience darkness.
I wouldn't have known salvation if I didn't surrender. My mess wouldn't have
become my message today if it wasn't for our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you
Jesus. I wouldn't have known peace without forgiveness.
Your word is the lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119-105
Shared by Sharon

47.
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world. They are clothed with strength and dignity
and laugh without fear of the future."
Shared by Vicki

48.
"May the god of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing."
Shared by Neishon

49.
"She learnt to laugh, love and dream through the one who wonderfully and fearfully made her."
Shared by Bobbie

50.
"Imagine as you speak it is your heart that has the mouth and not your mind."
Shared by Vicki

51.
"It is our responsibility as women to look after the children and to ensure that they are whole and complete."
Shared by Bronwyn

52.
"Believe in yourself and know that you have unique gifts and talents that can effect others."
Shared by Vivian

53.
"Happiness begins with you."
Shared by Milly

54.
"Everything happens for a reason."
Shared by Amanda

55.
"Be not afraid I go before you always."
Shared by Joy

56.
"When I dive deep within, I breathe the fresh air of a new dawn."
Shared by Margaret

57.
"Love yourself and others unconditionally."
Shared by Rhonda

58.
"A problem shared is a problem halved."
Shared by Jan

59.
'Everyday is a new beginning."
Shared by May

60.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your actions."
Shared by Emily

Continued

21.
"Value what make you who you are."
Shared by Lisa

22.
"Always have hope, there is always another chance."
Shared by Yvonne

23.
"Always put off today what you can do tomorrow."
Shared by Ruth

24.
"Be grateful everyday for what you have as so many people have so little."
Shared by Pam

25.
"Do what makes your heart sing."
Shared by Gaye

26.
"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
Shared by Josephine

27.
"I am  65 years old now and I have just realised that I have been living a life in fear.
Maybe more so the thought of fear, of taking chances or what would happen if.
It is time now to live a life without fear. Enjoy this precious gift of life and be grateful
for all the beautiful and positive things around me. I believe now that if you believe
in miracles they can happen and will if you allow them to."
Shared by Pamela

28.
Savour what you have because you will not know how lucky you are, until you see or hear of another's misfortune. I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
Shared by Daphne

29.
"Give yourself permission to be at peace with yourself."
Shared by Marianne

30.
"When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, take that record off the record player and change it to a positive one."
Shared by Sally

31.
"Believe in love and healing and don't allow yourself to be a victim."
Shared by Glenda

32.
" Love is not a game and there are no rules. So if you love someone show them,
open your heart to give and receive love and let go of any shackles. Let everyone you know you love them before its too late because life is too short so make the most of everyday. It is the present after all."
Shared by Suzie

33.
"Be real, let people in...judgement free."
Shared by Juanita

34.
"Just Breathe"
Shared by Belinda

35.
Always remember to be yourself. You are an original, and there is no one else in the world like you.
There is freedom and peace in not trying to have to be or act in a certain way. You are already beautiful in more ways than you know."
Shared by Rachel

36.
"Of the soil, moulded by experience, bent and almost broken by adversity, nurtured by love to grow, blossom and mature the seeds of wisdom for future generations. A fifth generation woman of the land."
Shared by Margaret

Deep and meaningful

13.
"Make up your mind to be plain and honest."
Shared by Rie

14.
"Live your life with love laughter and happiness."
Shared by Megan

15.
"Strength in numbers."
Shared by Kris

16.
"No one ever died from sleeping in an unmade bed."
Shared by Phillipa

17.
"Life is filled with comparison. Ladies please don't compare yourselves to others.
 You are created to be you. Unique, special and gifted to
fulfil your calling and purpose. Comparison brings disappointment and depression but embracing who you are brings great freedom and joy. Your life is to be lived by being you."
Shared by Angela

18.
"Your greatest wealth is health."
Shared by Vicki

19.
"Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. Those who refresh others will
themselves be refreshed. So have the courage to dream big and love others along the
journey."
Shared by Rebecca

20.
"Gender is no limit to your possibilities"
Shared by Deanna

Inspiring messages

No 4.
"The secret in our culture is that women are strong. Let your inner strength rise with every attempt to intimidate you."
Shared by Wendy

No 5.
"Everything we experience leads us in a certain direction, we must not ignore this light...it proves to be our intuition."
Shared by Alicia

No 6.
"Of course women can do anything......so just do it."
Shared by Jean

No 7.
"She who is clothed in resilience and trust, laughs without fear of the future."
Shared by Nadine

No 8.
"Look good and feel good from the inside out."
Shared by Carla

No 9.
"Love yourself so you can love others."
Shared by Margaret

No 10.
"Always stand up for yourself. You are in control of your own integrity."
Shared by Kitty

No 11.
You'll never know all there is to know about something. There's always more to learn."
Shared by Caitlin

No 12.
"Don't ignore the things that you are passionate about."
Shared by Lorraine

A great way to start the day

On Sunday 23rd, I started the day with a 10k walk for The Pyjama Foundation. It was a glorious morning to be walking and for a wonderful organisation. Check them out www.thepyjamafoundation.com

Message 2.
"Most of what you think is important, is not
Most of what you worry about will not even happen.
Have a cup of tea.Sit in the sun.Eat almonds for your bones.
Be philanthropic. (Its one of the secrets of life.)
Sleep, kisses and hugs are very underestimated. Just keep it simple.
Do good. Sweat every day."
Shared by Kathleen

Message 3.
"You are always free to choose your path - follow your heart".
Shared by Josephine  

Lasting messages from 'Women Afoot" 22/3/14 Moving forward.

If you were unable to make it to the exhibition I have placed a few pictures below. Just my snapshots of some of  the other works.

This was a sepia  photographic work of the process 

Some of the women had given me their message in handwriting and this was used

to hand embroider their messages on linen.

This was a generational sharing of messages

The left, was my Grandmothers 75yr old silk wedding dress

and the right ,one of my dresses and the messages she shared with me

linked by thread.

During the time I shared with the women after each session, I would write down a word that related

to our conversation something that had resonated with me.

These words were compiled into a wall work.

This was a history work. Women of the past who

shared messages of compassion, and incredible support of women and children.

paving the way today.

This message was sewn on to a petticoat in thread

"Trust your instincts

and trust your body

life may be busy

but your life

 is far more important."

Thank you Emma for this wonderful message.

 Each week I will display some of the amazing messages that were shared by 105 Queensland women , they share their thoughts and experiences at this moment in time, this point in their personal and our collective history. At the exhibition the voices of the women were listened to. It has truly been a privilege for me to play a part in bringing together over 105 amazing women, generously giving of their very valuable time to come and stand in support of other women, all women, women they have never met, wanting to make a difference.

Message 1.

"Make a list of everything that brings you joy. Keep it close, read it often."

Shared by Svetlana

A Huge Thankyou

Dear friends,
Thank you so much for coming to my solo exhibition 'Women Afoot". I truly appreciated your support.
We had around 300 attend opening night and raised $5500 for the Second Chance Programme Fundraising group which will certainly make a difference for many women.
There were many people to thank including
The 105 fabulous women who participated.
Sharyn for her acknowledgement to country.
 Janet De Boer for her wonderful opening.
Jaan and Joan Duensing for donating and providing the incredible food .
Rachel and Hannah the cellists who played so beautifully and kindly donated their time.
Vanessa and Rie for looking after the sales desk so capably.
Friends and family for all their work on the night.
Suzie O'Neill for capturing the night with wonderful photographs.

Fabulous teatowels available at the exhibition

Entry is free to come to the exhibition, just a smile is required.
I hope that everyone coming to the exhibition, will be inspired and encouraged by the sight of so many women standing together and finding their voices.

As all the proceeds from the exhibition will be going to the Second Chance Programme fundraising group
which is an independent non-for-profit organisation with an unswerving commitment to solving female homelessness. SCP does not raise money to buy buildings or pay salaries. Apart from paying insurance  and bank charges every cent raised by SCP is used to 'get women off the streets' and to help them take control of their lives.This is why I chose to donate to this wonderful organisation.
Second chance supports a variety of different projects to help homeless women secure a home and return to independent living. They are a small committee of absolutely dedicated people committed to fundraising.
 Please Check them out on www.secondchanceprogramme.com.au
How am I fundraising:
Because of the wonderful messages the women have shared with me I have made some messages into screenprinted teatowels which will be for sale at the exhibition for $10.00 they are 100% linen and are gorgeous. They will look great in any kitchen and a fabulous present for any friend. We also have card packs containing 5 cards and envelopes for $10.00 as well, they are well worth the look.

Media release for upcoming exhibition

Media release
February 2014
Brisbane artist takes a stand with 100 women in unique new exhibition
Brisbane-based artist Kym Frame will take a stand with over 100 women from all walks of life at the unique and striking ‘Women Afoot’ exhibition, opening at the Graydon Gallery in New Farm on 4 March.
For the exhibition, Kym cast the feet of over 100 women in plaster and used the moulds to create delicate paper sculptures, hand-made from the fibres of banana plants.
“The exhibition will feature sculptures of more than 200 individual feet, symbolically bringing together the lives and experiences of over 100 women from across Queensland,” Kym said.
“Massed together their feet represent women coming together, standing with other women and in support of one another.
“I was overwhelmed by the large number of women who gave so generously of their time and their experiences to take part in the work.”
Kym said the women featured in the exhibition came from a diversity of ages and backgrounds, illustrating the diversity of modern women’s lives.
“Women aged from 16 to 89 years of age sat for the sculptures,” she said.
“They range from a publican, a lifesaver, a jillaroo and a jeweller, to an accountant, a pianist, businesswomen, nurses and a hairdresser.”
While several prominent women also had their feet cast, they will take their positions on the exhibition’s lit platforms alongside women from many other backgrounds.
In addition to having their feet cast, each woman taking part was invited to share a message with other women.
“The messages range from the humorous to the deeply personal, and clearly many are born of hard-won wisdom,” Kym said.
“They include the quirky ‘Take your bra off as soon as you get home’ and the thought-provoking ‘May we women be as kind to ourselves as we are to others’.
“The exhibition will feature more than 100 women’s messages, including projections within the gallery and recordings in their own voices.”
Kym said the process of creating art helps her to process her ideas and interpret them in a visual way.
“Working on the project has helped me think differently about modern women’s lives, and it brought me much joy creating the work and sharing time and stories with such a remarkable group of women,” she said.

“I hope other women, and in fact everyone coming to the exhibition, will be inspired and
encouraged by the sight of so many women standing together and finding their voices.”
The exhibition is at the Graydon Gallery from 4–9 March, open 10:00am – 6:00pm daily.
All proceeds from the exhibition go to the Second Chance Programme Fundraising Group
Inc, which is working to help homeless women find secure housing and return to
independent living.

Exhibition drawing closer

For many months I have been enjoying sharing on the blog and thanks to a friend I finally have been shown how to create a post that appears on the top of the feed. I do apologise for all the times you may have had to scroll down. We can always learn something everyday which is a wonderful.
I am very excited as the exhibition draws close. Here is the invitation again please tell your friends to check it out.