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i have been working very closely with erica wilson this past week. well not actually erica wilson herself but rather one of her books. erica wilson's embroidery book as been at my side providing me with invaluable reference for a project i have been hired to work on.
(images from erica wilson's embroidery book, scribner's, 1973)
the hobby horses were a popular feature at the nut tree resturant in vacaville, california. this recent ebay purchase will make it possible for me to make one should the mood strike me. to their credit the developers of the outlet mall that now sits where the nut tree used to be have recreated a few elements from the original nut tree including the hobby horses.
back cover of mdh margaret keane, tomorrow's masters series, 1964
a few years ago i was driving down the street and had to do a double take when something in a shop window caught my eye. i immediately pulled over and went into the shop for a closer look. it was a fabulous appliqued wall hanging and was even more incredible up close. sadly, it was not for not sale (it was just being used as decoration) but the shop owner gave me a little background on the artist - jean ray laury - who often collaborated with (and was once married to) stan bitters - the ceramicst and sculptor who did created the much loved installation that still graces the front of the duncan building in fresno, california. no wonder i was drawn to her work. i soon discovered that she did wall hangings for the nut tree restaurant and of course i had to find out as much as i could about her.
i think the first book by jean to make it's way into my collection was applique stitchery from 1966. i loved it so much i then had to scoop up everthing else she wrote (such as handmade rugs from practically anything, the total tote bag book and the pantyhose craft book). when i started to work on my book i knew that somehow the influence that jean's work has had on me needed to make an appearance somewhere in the book. i was fourtunate enough to be put in touch with jean and was able to interview her for a profile in my book - the few phone calls we had were such a joy - she was still at work on developing new book projects. i was so sad to hear that jean passed away the other day. it pains me so much that i will not be able to give her a copy of my book.
pictured here are a few of the doors that are featured in her book wood applique. i am especially drawn to the one at the upper left. that's jean standing next to the doors that she created for a restaurant in canoga park. aren't they the coolest things you've ever seen?
(images from wood applique by jean ray laury, 1973)
