Hands and Arms in Thread and Life
What is it about hands and arms, and why do they show up over and over in my fiber art?
I think it might be because I am always reaching for something: for more, for someone else, for hope, for clarity. Maybe it is about reaching through the muck to get to the heart of the matter, through my own limitations to create something new. Or it could be about reaching through the noise and chaos of our world, reaching beyond too much news, internet, or social media.
Maybe hands and arms show up because I am always reaching for justice and digging for the goodness in all people. Or perhaps because I throw up my arms in frustration at not being better at that. Sometimes I give the middle finger when I am at the end of my rope or hanging on by a thread. And on better days, I link arms with others in solidarity and respect.
What if it is simply about making and creating—using my hands and handwork to bring more clarity, fun, interest, and color to my life? Hands work together; many hands make small work.
At the heart of it all, I suspect it is about holding and being held. Reaching for another, for someone to hold or to hold me, or reaching for someone to help, to listen, or to reach out to invite or welcome. We all need a hand to steady us, an arm to grab when we stumble or trip.
Arms brace against, but they also open wide in embrace.
All of these hands and arms remind me of strength, power, security, assistance, generosity, hospitality, stability. They communicate feelings and punctuate words.
Open palms are honest. Folded hands pray. Clasped hands bring us together.
