Thinking of Influence

Today would have been my Mother's 97th birthday. The photo is what she looked like at approximately age 40. She was stunningly beautiful. Since she died several years ago, obviously she's not celebrating today, but I am remembering her and thanking her for being an intensely creative influence in my life. I know I've written about her in the past, but she was an amazing artist in her own right. She was a graduate of the music academy of Vienna, Austria in the early 1930's. She was a pianist and taught piano here in the US for many years after she moved here in the 1940's. She was an accomplished seamstress and a fashion designer who sewed and designed her entire life. She was a wonderful interior decorator - changing colors, wall treatments, and furnishings regularly and always effectively. She purchased top-line furniture and had them recovered as necessary (an upholsterer's dream client). She also tried her own hand at reupholstering, but after one fully-covered arm chair, she decided that wasn't the direction for her. And in her spare time, she created art through many vehicles. She did mosaic, stained glass, jewelry-both beaded and precious metal fabrication, she painted, and she drew. She was always working on something creative.

The best thing about growing up with her was the opportunity to participate in each of the creative activities that she did. So I did mosaic. I painted plaster. I did complex braids with leather. I did jewelry, and of course, I sewed. I wish I was better at sewing, I could really use her expertise and talent when it comes to making my Renaissance Festival outfits and finery. But, I remember my Mother often when it comes to creating my own art. Even in her last days, as she was dying a living death from Alzheimers, she painted. I have a photograph of the last piece that she painted and I treasure it. Even though her vision was seriously restricted and her mind was also malfunctioning, she still managed to create beauty in her world. That's a daily goal for me and I have her to thank for it. Thanks, Mom. I love you.