Some of the best gifts come from unexpected places. Several weeks ago, I received a note through my website contact form. This is what it said:
I love your work and the way you incorporate different textures with your clay. I have two very old trunks the type that are made of wood and have metal and leather details. The two trunks came from my Dad’s family ranch south of San Antonio that is an original family land grant.
The wood and metal details are very very weathered. I was wondering if you were interested in having these two trunks. I would like to donate them if you want them and I can send you pictures to see if you’re interested. The trunks look very old.
We connected, and she sent me some photos of the trunks as well as some photos of the ranch where they came from, a place where she grew up.
When she brought the trunks to my house (yes, delivery was included!), I got that goose-bumpy feel that some old objects can produce just by radiating a sense of profound history and adventure. Canvas, rust, wood – everything I love just ready to be re-purposed.
I asked her if it would be OK if I took some of the components apart to used in mixed-media assemblages, and she said, “Of course,” but I can’t bring myself to do that just yet.
These photographs show the well-worn canvas coverings and the character of the boards that were used to construct the trunk. Some of the hardware is incredibly intricate,
What did these trunks hold? How far did they travel? Who made them? Where did the metal hardware come from? And how will I honor them thorough my art?
This is a starting place – an open doorway for a lot of visual stories.
Stay tuned for more. This is a gift that requires a lot of thought! Thank you, Margaret, for this inspiration.
Wow Lynne I am so jealous. Such beautiful weathered artifacts. You will surely turn out some magnificent pieces
You inspire me, Alicia!
I had an old trunk similar to these in my studio. When I moved to my new She Shed, I downsized from 1000 sq ft to 184 sq ft…the trunk had to go. I never even thought about taking it apart to use the pieces rather than the whole. I guess that’s why you are the guru!
Deconstruction is hard! I’d love to see pics of your new space!
True treasure!
Lucky me 🙂
I can’t imagine a more sensitive and creative person to have inherit these amazing trunks! Enjoy and delighted for you!
Aww, Bosha – thanks – we shall see what we shall see . .
Wow! It will be awesome to see what you will do with them!
Take lots of pictures.
I am so inspired just by the pictures – imagining them in collages, in digital art work….as cards… book covers…..
Many purposes from taking pictures – in addition to doing something with the actual trunks!
I know – the pictures are amazing because there are so many fascinating surfaces! ♥
I can’t wait to see how you use he hardware and wood. I am so envious!!!!! Cindy
I am just so hesitant about dismantling them, but I will soon.
Beautiful!! Imagine the lives of these trunks!!
I know, Nelda! Did they hold clothes? Household gear? It’s a source of endless stories.
I know you will come up with some wonderful stories about the history of the trunks. The old canvas, metal detail and wood are so interesting and I’m sure it will create many project ideas for you given their rich history.
Thanks, Pat – I need to read up on how to dismantle them without damaging the hardware.
How incredibly wonderful! So special and you are most definitely the right person to be gifted with these treasures.
Let’s hope so, Sandra – I’m definitely lucky!
I look forward to seeing what you create with such a treasure!
Jess, always good to hear from you – you are such a source of inspiration.
What a perfect gift for you, the perfect artist
Maybe I can cast some the hardware in clay!
I’m emotional with the decision her first seed thought of generosity.
This has happened to me as well.
That someone would entrust us with the next lives of these historical time pieces alone, is remarkable.
You will do it well and that seed, will multiply as it divides and goes out as fruit to many.
Thanks for already starting that with this posting.
Laura
Laura, I have missed you and your wise words – love your new work at Jane’s!