i have been meaning to do this post for a couple of months now but for many reasons have just not been able to find the right words. i was completely devastated this past december when i learned that erica wilson had passed away. i had the great honor to interview her for the profile i did of her in my book and we spoke on the phone several times. she was a complete delight (she even gave me a few tips on how to deal with editors and publishers) and oh how i wish had been able to meet her in person.
in the days following her passing comparisons between julia child and erica were made. i had never really thought about it but of course that's the case: they both popularized things that had fallen out of fashion, published oodles of books and had shows on PBS. now it's very easy to watch the french chef as it's readily available on DVD but erica's show was nowhere to be found (trust me i looked high and low). but yesterday as i was checking my facebook updates i was overjoyed to see that her shop in nantuket has started to post some episodes of erica - her PBS show that was produced by WGBH boston.
i'm a total sucker for an early 70s PBS show - especially the music, the set dressing and the titles. i am beyond thrilled to finally see these few episodes of erica and will be watching them again and again. those bargello boots she's wearing are probably the coolest things of all time. but the most outstanding thing is seeing her stitch. you can read her books, you can look at pictures of her work but there's nothing like seeing her stitch. i had no idea that is was possible to admire her more than i already had.
thank you erica. i am absolutely sure that you will continue to inspire for years and years to come.
thank you so much for sharing these videos!! so inspiring!
Posted by: Brittany | February 17, 2012 at 07:53 PM
wow. i think i'm in love. eat your heart out, martha!
Posted by: robbie | February 25, 2012 at 03:05 PM