Our Family

My heartfelt journey to bridge the gap between generations, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of family history.

Through these unique handmade books, I have embarked on a quest - 12 books in total so far. These volumes tell a story of love, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to family.

In a world where distance and circumstance can keep families apart, these books serve as a living testament to the strength of family bonds. They are more than just collections of pages; they are portals to the past, gateways to the future.

I want my grandson to know that he is part of something special, something bigger than himself. These books are my way of ensuring that he knows his family, even if we haven’t been allowed to be part of his life.

In the pages of these books, the story of our family unfolds—a family determined to ensure that our history remains alive for Joseph.

Some pages are adorned with intricate paintings and drawings, capturing the essence of family adventures. Others display fading photographs, faces of ancestors, and places that hold the secrets of generations past. A treasured guest page from his late Grandfather whom he called Boompa.

There are writings that convey wisdom, values, and lessons learned. And throughout, there are thoughts and reflections, all dedicated to my grandson Joseph.

Brooklyn Art Library

The digital world is a constant but Brooklyn Art Library has both. You can create a book and it will be digitised for others to see anywhere in the world. It also has a physical form where people can touch and read the books creatives have made.

It was a fun process to fill the 27 pages. I rebound the book and gave it a spine as it started yawning. I’m not against yawning books. I have made a few myself as they get fatter with collage additions.

“Wearing Out” is available to view online.

https://www.sketchbookproject.com/library/S2628949

Flip through the pages and leave a comment if you can or click favourite so I know you’ve seen it.

Junk Journal

What is the purpose of a junk journal?

It can be anything you turn it into. As I enjoy bookbinding I'm stitching my own book.

Over the years I have kept ephemera so have plenty of supplies for gluing in collage, old drawings, memorabilia, old books and photos.

I have often been told I can't draw so I’m using it to doodle and paint in. My skills are improving and I’ve found I like using a fine black ink pen. I'm on a junk journal journey so who knows what it will turn out like. I’ll keep you posted.

Joseph Books

I last blogged about the Joseph Books I make on 27 August 2018.

I’m still making them and every page is filled with memories for Joseph my Grandson. One day he will be able to read about me and all his family who love him dearly. He lives in Cape Town but we are still denied contact.

I write in them, draw in them, glue photos in them and hope that one day he will treasure this insight to the other half of who he is. He was 11 last month.

Today I chose ladybird paper as I love the outdoors and I see many of them while gardening. The other cover is shells. New Zealand has many shells and I love the beach.

Happy reading Joseph.

Female Form

Quirky art is something that appeals to me.

I focus on work I care about and these women have their own story. The connection between the past and the present gives them their own voice. Recycling, retelling, remaking and re-using old parts to give a new life to items from the past.

Maybe I've made my own fashion parade.

Wellington Museum Exhibition

As we slowly moved into the the exhibition there was no talking but more gasps at the shear scale of this exhibition. 546 panels stitched by over 600 people. After 125 years these women are still treasured for their hardship, resilience and determination, this is their memory.

I shed a tear looking from one panel to the next. It was overwhelming as each one seemed to find a voice.

I cherish this moment and congratulate every single person who was involved especially Caroline O’Reilly.

Thanks also to Wendy Welsh and Ryan Jennings for some of the photos

Its open until 31 August at the Wellington Museum.

Afternoon Tea with Nana

Memories are part of my artwork. As a child my Nana let us make mud pies in her garden. We were allowed to pick flowers and decorate them. The best part was she came with handbag over her arm and bought our creations. We then set off to the corner dairy where I soon learnt that vanilla, a new flavour, was not a fruity ice-cream. 

This book was made for the NZ Association of Book Crafts exhibition. Using muslin as a base, serviettes and photos of cupcakes were glued, collage style on to the muslin. These were photocopied and formed the pages.

The process in pictures.