A Stitch in Time - An Arts Recovery Project
28th July 2009
In January 2009, a week before Black Saturday, the Delburn complex of fires near the small town of Boolarra in Gippsland blazed out of control. Thirty homes were destroyed and three people seriously injured in the fires. The people of Boolarra pulled together to support each other at a time when resources were overstretched and across Victoria everyone was staggering from the shock of Black Saturday. Companionship and community support - these were the vital elements.
In July, South Gippsland artist Meg Viney started a stitch in time, a quilting project in Boolarra, to unite and heal women who were impacted by the fires. Once a week Meg now meets with a group of fourteen women at the local multi-purpose centre. The tradition of quilt making has long been associated with women working beside one another, sharing stories and problems, and together finding strength, trust and enduring friendship.
Day one - July 15
Donations flooded in. We were astonished to find twelve boxes containing beautiful fabrics, all manner of quilting supplies and six sewing machines! A quilting shop in Wantirna told customers that they would collect gifts to donate to people impacted by the bushfires. What these women understood was the need for stitching to nurture and to heal. A fine start indeed.
We came together with aromas of delicious food for a shared lunch floating from the kitchen. It was a beautiful setting for the group to talk about their experience, which they shared without restraint. Lion-hearted, wonderful women, who had endured the unendurable, yet still had a sense of humour. They all wanted to be there, to share, to learn, to heal.
We started on our Visual Diaries, adding words, sketches, samples and ideas. All the concepts were different. All were meaningful and quite beautiful in their own way.
Day two - July 22
I was surprised to see how much work each person had done - Glenda had completed two complex designs, several samples included in her Visual Diary. Helen, with no experience in art, had done some beautiful embroidery on a sampler.
What I came to understand today was that each and every person was inspired and had spent time during the week to start on their design. I listened to the quiet chatter as they worked, watched the way two or more would have their heads together discussing ways of working.
The day passed gently, the rain falling gently. Day two had come to a close.
Day three - July 29
During the past week everyone has worked hard on their squares. Glenda has had experience with textiles but none of the others have, and it is wonderful to see everyone extending themselves, embracing the new learning and thoroughly enjoying it. And this week I could see and hear that we have become a group - each person understanding the nuances of the others and fitting in comfortably.
And the lunches! The girls seem to relish the idea of bringing something delicious. It has become quite an important part of the process - stitching and eating - and, somehow, each synergises the other, making it more alive.
I demonstrated how to apply the wadding and how to do the hand quilting. Each of the women sat, chatting quietly, stitching as I went from one to the other helping them with new techniques and stitches. They are so excited about what they are doing, and are already designing their next square. We need 36 squares to reach our goal - a 2100mm x 2100mm quilt.
And to my delight, everyone has completely let go of any ideas of comparison or of trying to have the work in any way similar. It is the wonderful difference that gives such a vibrant effect and a unique character.
Meg Viney, artist in residence
Updates and comments
We will be updating this blog regularly so stay tuned for more images and updates on progress
Check out how we go in the following weeks
And have a look at the finished quilt!
We would also love to hear what you think about this project. If you would like to comment or send a message, click on 'make a comment' below.
A stitch in time is made possible through the Arts Recovery Quick Response Fund, an initiative of the Victorian State Government through Arts Victoria and administered on its behalf by Regional Arts Victoria.
Member Comments
Beautiful project
Jo
(): 29th Jul 09
This is a lovely, meaningful project - I look forward to following it as it comes to fruition.
bird piece
Jo Grant: 31st Jul 09
LOVE the bird piece, such beautiful detail - can't wait to see the finished pieces.
beautiful
kim bennett
(): 31st Jul 09
Hi Meg
Thanks so much for blogging about this project. The designs seem so expressive of the participants shared experiences.
How amazing that you were gifted such a wonderful amount of supplies for this project, including sewing machines.
Looking forward to more blog updates on this project, thanks.
Beautiful!
Emily Atkins
(): 31st Jul 09
This project looks truly lovely and has so many layers to it!
Such measured and focussed work can only help solidify the feelings of these amazing women.
There is something so nice about making a quilt, something that is often associated with comfort and safety, as part of recovering from an event that was the complete opposite.
Well done!
a wonderful project!
Deb Milligan: 31st Jul 09
This project is profoundly powerful in a gentle and nurturing manner. The bonds of friendship and support will strengthen with each stitch. And the work looks beautiful too ... I can't wait to see more!
fabulous concept
Anne Roussac-Hoyne
(): 31st Jul 09
What a wonderful idea! The photos show a group of women engaged and happy, creating and reflecting, making something positive and beautiful emerge from their past experience. I thought the helicopter square was very poignant.
A Stitch in time
Avril van Wamel
(): 31st Jul 09
Congratulations to Meg and all of the participants - it is wonderful seeing the quilt come together and we look forward to displaying the completed work of art in the Meeniyan Art Gallery. Avril
thanks!
Andrea
(): 31st Jul 09
hey. it's great to be able to see the project evolve from here, further east! :-)
Sharing
Janne McPhie
(): 1st Aug 09
Hi Meg these projects are so healing and I love the Art work. Isn't it amazing the depth and breath of peoples ideas. I will catch up with you on my return from holiday.
May the creative force be with you all. Love Janne
stitch in time
susan hall
(): 1st Aug 09
concratulations meg on a wonderful program to help the ladies affected by the trauma of the recent bushfires.you are to be commended for your enthusiasm and support.
kind regards susan hall.
Great title ,great project!
jenny davies
(): 1st Aug 09
We wish you all well in this healing journey & look forward to viewing the quilt at our RENEWAL Exhibition in February.We know it will reach out to help others reflect & in doing so will continue to speak a common language for all communities touched by Black Saturday.
Yarram Courthouse Gallery
Working together
Denise Schiller
(): 1st Aug 09
We are enjoying having Meg to guide and instruct us as we come toether to create our quilt. Our fire experiences remain very vivid and because there is so much burnt bush around the town the memories just do not go away. Thanks to the generosity of so many quilters and the grant money, we are able to have Meg's expertise and the materials we need for this project. It will have a lasting benefit, so thank you all for your positive comments.
Expect nothing less
Karen Murphy
(): 1st Aug 09
I think the images on this website are exquisite. Having had many workshoping experiences with Meg Viney, I would expect nothing less. Once again she has touched people by encouraging them to express themselves through beautiful artworks.
This is Great
Karen Twomey
(): 2nd Aug 09
What a great project. Doing something creative is very theraputic and calming. Good luck with the rest of it.
beautiful
karen murphy
(): 2nd Aug 09
The images in this quilt are exquisite. Having had many workshop experiences with Meg Viney, I would expect nothing less. She creates an atmosphere that encourages people to express themselves in a beautiful way. Congratulations to all involved in this lovely project.
Stitch In Time
Angelika Lieshout
(): 2nd Aug 09
Hi Meg and Participants
Your project sounds trully wonderful and the pieces are such a delight to the eye to view.
Meg again you have excelled with your wonderful organisation and ability to source resources etc.
Good luck to you all and i cannot wait to see the finished product.
Great blog - well done.
Best wishes Angelika
great start!
Kate Gerritsen
(): 3rd Aug 09
what a great start to the project. This looks set to be a beautifully therapeutic journey. Enjoy!
community fabric
Sue
(): 3rd Aug 09
Thanks Meg - it makes such a difference to be able to see a project unfold. It is a brilliant way for communities to access each others' work.
I look forward to hearing and seeing more.
feminine community
Caz Byrne
(): 3rd Aug 09
This is a beautiful example of feminine strength, community and celebration of life in the face of tragedy. I commend Meg Viney on her sensitive understanding of art as a healing force.
'hands on'
catherine enter
(): 3rd Aug 09
There is something to be said about a group of women coming together. Mind ,body and soul restoration after the ferocious trauma of fire by expression of feelings through needlework sounds so soothing. In conversation or quiet comfort with beautiful food to share, the project is obviously aiming for all the senses being activated. I am sure the group will continue long after the completion of the quilt!
Beautiful
Julie Bernardson
(): 4th Aug 09
What a "sacred" project. This would be so healing. Replacing the terror, the unpredictability, the alonenss, the fear and the devastation with peace, beauty, unity, trust.
So well done. Continue to fly
what a gift!
Jan McGannon
(): 4th Aug 09
Lovely to see that the group is enjoying the quilt making. We were delighted to donate the supplies from our quilting friends in Wantirna, and I will pass on the link to them so they can see your progress. We are waiting to see the finished quilt, and know how much nurturing and support will be in every stitch and colour.
recovery project
Margaret Balfe
(): 4th Aug 09
I was very moved to read about the progress so far. Hopefully it will be a strong start to recovery from great tragedy for these women.
I'm sure there will be strength gained from the friendship and sharing of experience and skills. Good luck to all who are participating. My thoughts are with you.
Well done Meg!
In the presence of others
Sue ROSS
(): 5th Aug 09
I imagine it feels very comforting to sit quietly in the presence of others, while being engaged in the co-operative process of creating something beautiful - sometimes chatting and at other times being able to slip safely into one's own inner thoughts and processing. I can also imagine Margie that you, with your vision and organizing skills and sensitivity would be a wonderful guiding presence for this endeavor.
Wonderful and Beautiful
Antoinette Moar
(): 6th Aug 09
The work is beautiful - well done ladies
A Stitch in Time
Winsome Richards
(): 8th Aug 09
A quilt of love and friendship such as this, made by the people involved in the recent bush fires of the Delburn Complex near the small town of Boolarra under the skillful guidance of Artist Meg Viney is a wonderful demonstration of the strength and the indomitable spirit of the people of Gippsland. The beauty of the quilt with its 'golden' threads of hope inspires us all in our need for harmony and healing.
Challenging
Linda Minter
(): 9th Aug 09
Creating a Bush fire Quilt as your first project is a big challenge,also choosing something that is relevant to the Bush fires. Just as despair sets in, Meg is there with lots of encouragement and inspiration. We are very lucky to have such a gifted teacher. We have been overwhelmed with kindness and generosity from people providing all the materials and equipment that we could possibly need and I am sure this will only be the start of the Boolarra Quilters.
Fantastic!
(): 11th Aug 09
what a wonderful project, and how great it is to see it all unfold! thanks Meg.
VOLUNTEERS
Helen Gair.
(): 16th Aug 09
Among us are two wonderful VOLUNTEERS.
EVELYN Littlejohn worked endlessly in the kitchen at the Salvation Army Traralgon for six months. Baking and making sandwiches, serving cups of Tea and Coffee, with a berautiful smile.
EVELYN also arranged donations of Quilting materials and sewing machines from Geelong for our quilting group.
COLLEEN a member of the BOOLARRA C F A, fighting the Gippsland Fires.
Friends
Glenda Gilfillan
(): 4th Sep 09
Thanks goes to Meg and all the group, it has been the most uplifting and enjoyable experence I have ever had the pleasure to be involved with. The talent is amazing and so are the women.
