 |
| Martha's hamsa representing protection, healing, strength and love. |
Two fellow artists encouraged me to jump in: Jennifer Coyne Qudeen and Ersi Marina.
A third artist, Martha Hill, was my inspiration.
Martha and I were friends for ten years. We spent those years working together supporting the work of other artists by exhibiting their work.
She continued to inspire me as I watched her battle first esophageal and then lung cancer. She fought with a quiet grace, always putting others at ease, always having a sense of humor.
On August 24th she passed away.
I feel honored to have had her as a friend and enjoyed our many talks about art and family.
While she was going through many rounds of chemo, I would send her little gifts from my heart. One gift was a special hamsa I designed to protect her and heal her with strength and love.
I've decided to dedicate my prayer flags to my dear friend. I am using her hamsa design as the centerpiece of my flags. I like the idea of them waving in the breeze spreading their message of peace. I'd like to think that Martha will be looking down on them on September 21...maybe with a little smile!
Julie B. Booth
 |
| Tracing the hamsa design. |
 |
| Transferring the design to the Speedy Carve block. |
 |
| Carving the block. |
 |
| The finished block. |
 |
| Adhesive craft foam block to be used as the background. |
 |
| Sample designs for the flags. |
this is a beautiful post and an even more beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a friend. the progression of it into a peace flag has made it ever more meaningful and poetic. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you. I was nervous about joining this project but am now excited that it can be a tribute to my friend. She was so kind and caring...a woman of peace.
DeleteI'm so happy that you've joined the group! It seems very fitting to use Martha's hamsa.
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for pushing me. Sometimes that little extra nudge helps. I'm so happy that this is dedicated to Martha. I think it will help me heal a bit as well.
DeleteWhat a beautiful way to both honour your friend and to engage her in the ripples for peace - your flags will be strong and send powerful love and peace - I'm so glad you have chosen to join. Go well. B
ReplyDeleteBarry- thank you so much for your comment. Martha was truly a woman who epitomized peace. I am missing her but am looking forward to working on this tribute in her memory.
DeleteHow wonderful that you decided to join the project! I feel I should thank you, because Martha's hamsa is so lovely, endearing and meaningful. A tribute to peace and friendship, a gift of love. So very fitting!
ReplyDeleteHi Ersi-
DeleteThank YOU for the words of encouragement that helped me make the decision to join in. I am liking where this is going. There is healing in the making of this tribute.
what a beautiful tribute to your friend - and heartfelt set of flags...
ReplyDeleteyour hamsa design is just wonderful - they will make for such a meaningful centerpiece to the flags...
Thank you Mary Jane. I'm really excited about the project. I'm looking forward to spending time in the studio this weekend working on them...with Martha looking over my shoulder.
DeleteWhat a wonderful design...and such a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lela. I'm looking forward to seeing them blowing in the wind. I'm imagining Martha watching over the process.
Delete