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Home by Andrea Biller

Home by Pam Rehm

Homemade

My first introduction to the creative impulse was through my Mother and Mama. We never went to art museums and we didn't have a single art book in the house. My education came through watching them sew, and knit, and crochet, and embroider, nearly ceaselessly. They engaged in the magic of making something from nothing.

My Mama only went to the 5th grade and she was self-conscious about her talents. I saw her as smart, spunky, and amazing. She was always wearing a stylish outfit she had crafted from scraps of found fabric, and she held fast to her doctrine to not buy something she could make herself, including her underpants! Her sewing room was populated by a menagerie of stuffed animals, toilet paper cozies, and elaborate quilts.

My Mother continued the legacy of making and she and Mama clothed my sisters and I for most of our childhood. As a kid, I was embarrassed by our homemade clothes, I wanted store bought outfits and real jeans! It wasn't until high school that I began to see that our homemade clothes were unique. My Mother could make anything I wanted, we could design it together and she could stitch it up with expert precision (it was her dream to be a fashion designer.)

When I was around fourteen, I made a dress for a girl scout competition. It was a clumsy attempt in calico and ribbon trim. I don't really have the patience to sew things properly, but decided to try my hand at sewing for this instruction. While I didn't inherit my Mother's knack for sewing, I did get her DIY spirit and solid work ethic.

I dedicate this instruction to my dearly departed Mama and to my Mother who is most likely sewing right this moment.

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Homemade by Frank Baugh

Homemade by Pam Rehm

In the Basement

 

The basement in my parent's house was my haven for much of my adolescent life, it was my slice of privacy from my three younger sisters. I spent most of my time there making drawings and lip synched dance routines to Pat Benatar and Olivia Newton John songs. After I discovered the Go-Gos, I became obsessed with the idea of starting a girl group with my sisters and cousins. I came up with a great 80s concept; we would be called Roy G Biv and each girl would be named after a color. Of course, I wanted to be Indigo, I made a record cover, but  that was as far as the idea went. 

image from In the Basement

Unconditional

Yesterday I performed Unconditional in my apartment in Murfreesboro, TN. This instruction is inspired by all the pets I've known and loved. Growing up, we always had cats, there was Mittens, Fluffy, Cinnamon, Topaz, and Crosby. We also had a guinea pig named Blanche and a raccoon named Applesauce. When I moved to my first apartment in Lancaster, PA, I took two strays from my parents house. Paisley and Isadora became my constant companions and they moved with me over ten times in Lancaster and later in Baltimore. They always slept curled together and were tolerant when we inherited Maxwell from an irresponsible roommate. I lost all three to old age and still miss them dearly!

Currently, I share my home with Gromit, Blue and Nico. Gromit is my first dog. He was put into my arms over eleven years ago. He came into my life during a lonely and difficult period and he taught me about love with his open and eager heart. He is the best dog in the world!! Blue (also known as Velvet) joined our pack in 2006. Blue was not a stray and as a result he is incredibly well adjusted and sweet. He wakes me every morning with kisses and mild suckling. He reminds me of Carolee Schneemann's kissing cat. Nico is the newest addition. Gromit and I found her on a freezing December morning in the gutter outside the Baltimore house. She's only been with us for a few months and she is adjusting well to the luxuries of indoor living.

I can't imagine a life without animal companions and I am forever grateful for their unconditional love!

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Unconditional by Andrea Biller

Unconditional by Joanie Biller

Unconditional by Erin Piper

Unconditional by Pam Rehm