"Footprints in my heart"

This was the title of a solo show I made in 2007. It was a pivotal moment for me as an artist
"the exhibition became a dynamic fulcrum that caused me to change how I approached my arts practice" from this blog posted SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009.

Detail of felt used on exhibition invitations. 2007

I refer to it seldom now but the quote that the title of the show came from sits near my desk still, a fridge magnet delivered to me via M.I.L.K. products,

"Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." Eleanor Roosevelt 

It resonates deeply with me and continues to link my work from past to present.
I mentioned the quote during a conversation with Rose Hughes, she loved it so I decided I'd write about it here. Actually that conversation generated lots of connections and links, clarity and ideas, see my facebook page for more about that.

Threaded stories commission. Roisin Markham 2011

The reason I mentioned the exhibition and quote was that the handmade felt used in "a stitch in time" I made in 2007 for that solo show. Amazingly I made that felt around themes of community, friendship and kinship and they were a last minute inclusion in a bag of material I was taking to the stitch workshop with St. Brigid's community group at the Family resource centre. Nearly everyone choose to work with the felt... and I love that layer of meaning is within the finished piece of work that now hangs in Waterford.
The reason I decided to blog about this is that the product is by a company called M.I.L.K. they have excellent photo and make great cards. If I see there cards I buy them. But trying to find them online has been difficult I wanted to post Rose a link because I really like their products.
But this is what I discovered and it's great M.I.L.K. means

Moments of Intimacy, Laughter and Kinship - (M.I.L.K.)

There is an unofficial Facebook page and then I found the site http://www.milkphotos.com it seems PQ Blackwell now owns M.I.L.K. publishing and licencing (a New Zealand-based publishing and licensing company specialising in originating illustrated books and associated licensed products worldwide.).

I think that adds something even more and I simply delight in that.

Holly, seeking traditions & associations

Holly, Roisin Markham

I'm doing some research on Holly, otherwise know as Ilex aquifolium or in Irish An Cuileann. I have researched some of its uses and varieties and associated history. But I was wondering did you have any tales or folklore around holly? Would you like to share them?

Great post on http://www.gardenplansireland.com which I will quote
Our native holly plant has a strong association with Christmas on this isle, one which can be traced back as far as the time of the Celtic druids. These “wise men” regarded holly as the king of winter, its over-wintering evergreen leaves and bright red berries reaching the height of their glory on the winter solstice (December 21st). 

After that time the druids other revered plant, the oak tree would displace the holly, then rise in power as its leafy coat became renewed by the oncoming spring. 
You can click here to read more information on there site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly

What are you interested in?

Image made in www.wordle.net

Leave a comment let me know?