The inspiration for healing chimes
I was immediately drawn in, captivated by its aesthetic, its meticulous and careful craftsmanship, its presence.
Emery Blagdon’s art exhibited at SAAM
It was at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s (SAAM) Folk and Self-Taught Art Gallery in late 2018 when I first saw the mesmerizing hanging sculptures of Emery Blagdon, what he called his Healing Machine.
He combined elements like hay bail wire, cut sheet metal, discarded wood, metal parts, beads and more into hanging sculptures that filled his shed. They were created and meant for healing. He believed in their power, using also the energy of the earth, the light of the sun, the sound of their movement, and their positioning within space to affect healing.
I started imagining hanging sculptures made of natural found objects, woven textiles, thread, and more.
My first healing chime was for a friend, who was caregiving for her dying aunt at the time. Their strong bond and connection had been since her childhood, through their many years together, and through intense ups and downs. They were tethered together as they both hung on, and even finally as they both let go.
I had picked up a large handful of dried pine needles and pine a branch outside her hospital after visiting, and later used natural indigo-dyed cotton thread from Laos to wrap the thread around the needles and then to the twig. I didn’t think about what I was making. I was thinking about my friend and her aunt while I was making it.
Creating healing chimes and other objects continues – using natural materials from Laos, gathered sticks and leaves from my many walks, and a dose of healing energy from me, to all who may need it most.
For more about Emery Blagdon read The Man Behind The Art
Watch the short PBS documentary Emery Blagdon and His Healing Machine
View a selection of his work in person at SAAM
“The inspiration for healing chimes” was originally published as an exclusive post to my Patreon supporters in April 2020. Now it’s public and available to you, too!
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A big shout out to my wonderful supporters! Thank you, each of you, for supporting my ongoing creative work – Julie B, Sharmila K, Sushmita M, Kori J, Marga F, Kara B, Kristina L, Laura C, Louise B, Beck C, Skip M, Chris Z, and Richie M. It means so much and I am grateful. I think of you as create these posts, what I write about and share, and I hope that it offers you insight and inspiration along the way.