Last post, I was slightly circumspect about the tale behind my paper leaves - I wasn't too sure that writing about it was okay with the people involved, but now the 'thumbs up' have been given, I can share their backstory properly with you all. These leaves are part of a commission. A paper installation for the Lancaster Literature Festival.
The brief was to create something three dimensional using upcycled books for a truly vast space in the beautiful building where the festival is based. I could hardly contain my joy at being asked. How often is one given carte blanche to let the imagination run riot?
But I needed to rein myself in somewhat, because the deadline? Tight, tight, tight. And it needed to be easy to install and transportable too. Leaves seemed somehow appropriate - from trees through paper to books and back again, the journeys that the published word takes and all kinds of other, semi-articulated reasons.
And so this week has been buried under a sea of book pages, where I wield my scalpel and conjure up leaf shapes to sew into the long chains which will twirl from the roof space. And in a teeny tiny way, take their place alongside people like Carol Ann Duffy, Anne Fine, Kate Clanchy, Ali Shaw, Amy Sackville, Ian Rankin and Betsy Tobin. Not to mention the work of Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe, though they will not be making personal appearances. Bit like me - clearly I am in the very best of company.
But I so wish I could be there. For the incredible line up of speakers, of course, but partly to give a giant hug to the fairy blog-mother whose kind words put my name out there and allowed me to take part in what is going to be an incredible festival. She's shy, but the sharp eyed readers amongst you, who read both our blogs (and there are many, I think) might well have made out the link between us. You really have no idea how much of my confidence you've given back to me. And I am ridiculously grateful.
Oh the lady might or might not like lattes perchance?
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 10 October 2010 at 01:30
They're looking gorgeous. I'm not surprised that your name was put forward
What a shame you're not going, though - you could have told Ian Rankin that I'm not happy about the Rebus series coming to an end...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 10 October 2010 at 03:05
What a lovely story... and congratulations! Such a pity you can't be there.
Posted by: Gina | 10 October 2010 at 09:02
It must be so good to feel involved again. You have a very kind fairy blog-mother indeed! I just need to find my one now!!!
Posted by: simone | 10 October 2010 at 09:24
Oh how wonderful! Your leaves are simply gorgeous. K x
Posted by: kristina | 10 October 2010 at 10:26
Connection, commission, premise, it's perfect. The only thing missing is your presence at the festival. Is it not possible?
Posted by: Emma | 10 October 2010 at 11:51
Gorgeous photo! I love your creative take on upcycled books. The leaf garland is beautiful!
Posted by: Katherine | 10 October 2010 at 15:36
That's fantastic, congratulations on an ace commission
And as for a fairy-blog-mother, well I think that is something you are very lucky to have!
Posted by: Rhiannon | 10 October 2010 at 15:47
Such a thing! I think I will smile for a week after reading this.
Posted by: Alice C | 10 October 2010 at 18:37
oh Ali that will be sooooo splendid!!
Well done, great idea, hugely deserved and may this be the start of many many more!!!
Posted by: Monica | 10 October 2010 at 20:02
Well deserved Ali, and beautifully executed too. Congratulations!
Posted by: Pebbledash | 10 October 2010 at 20:05
Congratulations, such an exciting project. What next I wonder??x
Posted by: French Knots | 10 October 2010 at 20:32
A very happy story. My favourite kind.
Genius idea too.
Posted by: Megan | 10 October 2010 at 20:54
Wonderful news Ali. I'm thrilled and excited for you!
Posted by: lina | 10 October 2010 at 22:57
It's going to just look stunning.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 11 October 2010 at 08:46
Your leaves are going to make a stunning display! How fabulous to have been given this commission! Lucy x
Posted by: lucy locket | 11 October 2010 at 10:23
How lovely - congratulations!
Posted by: dottycookie | 11 October 2010 at 11:09
A wonderful commission and very well deserved Ali, they are going to look beautiful and seem a perfect marriage of setting and timing, well done you.
Posted by: Rebecca | 11 October 2010 at 11:29
How exciting for you! and I love the coming whole circle aspect. Wish I could see it installed...
Posted by: Jennifer | 11 October 2010 at 13:54
Me too Jennifer - I am hoping they will send me some pictures.
Ali x
> To: alisonhudson03@hotmail.com
Posted by: domesticali | 11 October 2010 at 13:57
it sounds just amazing x
Posted by: driftwood | 11 October 2010 at 14:48
They'll be stunning! What luck in finding your fairy blog-mother and it does sound like the most perfect brief for you, no-one could have done it better!
Posted by: Julie | 11 October 2010 at 20:03
Oh Ali, how exciting! Love the leaves photo, again!
Posted by: domestikate | 11 October 2010 at 22:07
So beautiful!
Posted by: Readersguide | 12 October 2010 at 00:24
How wonderful! This must be such an exciting project!!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | 12 October 2010 at 09:34
That fairy coffeemother is a wonderful woman.
I love your leaves, and I wish you could be there. I wish I could be there too but that's even less likely.
Posted by: suse | 15 October 2010 at 12:42
This is such a lovely blog! Where abouts in the UK are you based? I love your paper leaves! Ellie
Posted by: Ellie | 21 October 2010 at 12:03