Grandmothers are our link between heaven and earth. They give us a warm place to land, helping us feel rooted within our families and inspiring us to reach for the stars with limitless belief in the possibility of our accomplishments. Grandmothers take the time to acknowledge us when our parents are too busy. They give us a glimpse of a past that we can only imagine through their stories. They encourage us to carry forward values and skills that would fade out of existence without their tutelage. We need to take the time to celebrate the influence of older women: their wisdom and strength, the importance of their presence in our lives, and the beauty of the memories we hold while they are here with us and after their passing. What they have given us in terms of experience and understanding lasts long after they have left this world. May we all cherish the wisdom of old souls. -Bonita Summers-
We ended our summer workshop series in a very special way. Friends Sharon and Judi and their daughters, Jaimey and Jordie gathered here on a beautiful, sunny day in late August to take part in a workshop we called "The Wisdom of Grandmothers." Everyone in the circle shared stories of their grandmothers and the gifts they had given to us. Gifts like unconditional love, joy and anticipation of family events, sharing of delicious traditional foods, constancy of traditions and routines, creative resourcefulness, serenity, and love of nature were a few of the gifts we talked about in the circle. Each person chose a glass circle, stringer, piece of coloured glass or a kiln paper shape to represent their grandmother's gift and gave this to others in the group. At the end of the sharing, each person had the same group of design elements to incorporate into their piece of fused glass. It was a very meaningful sharing circle and it was wonderful to see how each person incorporated their design elements into their tribute piece to our grandmothers.
Judi and daughter, Jordie working on their fused glass pieces
Sharon and Jaimey work on their fused glass projects
Jordie's piece before firing
Jordie's framed fused glass
Jaimey's piece before firing
Jaimey's framed fused glass
Judi's piece before firing
Judi's framed fused glass
Sharon's piece before firing
Sharon's finished night light
Even though each person had the same decorative elements to work with, each piece of art was beautifully unique. It was such a special experience to spend time creating with such wonderful mothers and daughters! A big thanks to Sharon, Judi, Jaimey, and Jordie for helping us to end our summer workshop series on such a high note!
