Bookmark finished and displayed

I have permission to post pictures of the tatting chosen by the fabulous volunteers at Carmel Bach Festival. This is part of a fundraiser Raffle. Artists apply and after acceptance, create a small piece of art to be raffled. Usually there are more than 100 pieces. This year, the variety and quality are superior. There’s paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media (paper & jewelry), and several fiber pieces. I am so honored to be a part of this show!

Last night at the opening I met a lot of people. Everyone was so positive. Several artists were fascinated with my process. I heard many times from established, successful artists word of encouragement in finding my voice and creating more pieces. I’m a bit giddy! Note to Georgia: not one time did I hear that tatting is a lost art! It was humbling to know that these art collectors consider tatting alive and well and vital.

So what was the piece?

Joy bookmark

This bookmark is based on the melody Beethoven uses in the last movement of his Symphony no. 9. We use it regularly as a hymn. You’ll find the text starts with “Joyful, joyful we adore Thee” or something similar. Most hymnals list the hymntune as Hymn to Joy. If you orient the bookmark horizontally with the joy bead to the left, you’ll be able to “read” the tune. I chose to represent the degree of scale with the number of beads. 

Ex. The melody starts on Mi or the 3^rd degree of the scale. I used 3 beads in the first ring. The melody only uses the first 5 degrees of the scale; so the rings have at least one bead and up to five beads. Even if you can’t read music, you can read this melody. For the edging, I create a trefoil design of rings and chains. I was “chuffed” as Jane would say that there are 9 repeats. Beethoven’s name has 9 letters. Quite a bit of numerology which is not everyone likes, but fun!

I’m also quite pleased that my little creation was placed next to a quilt. I count the artist as a friend and mentor of sorts. I’ll be buying at least one ticket to tuck into her box.

Monterey Cypress quilt

Today I’ll hear an organ concert. Tomorrow is a vocal Master Class. Saturday starts the full Festival. I’m trying to keep at the chores so I can attend as much as possible. Of course, I’ll be tatting during the odd free moment. Most of my time will be soaking up the music and making notes for future designs. The ideas will flow almost as fast as the ocean wakes break on the beach!