Heike Gerbig is a private person.
She does not fill the air with
unnecessary words.
She possesses a German sureness
of conviction
I know so well.
A photographer by first trade,
she is uncomfortable
being on the other side of the lens.
A stitcher really only needs a comfy chair
by a nice window, and Heike has both.
Her main studio area
is also filled with light and the neutral tones
of her makings.
Splashes of red are appearing on her walls.
I love text in textiles.
Heike is proudly self taught
and deliberately insular.
She does not wish to dilute
her inner world.
About using words on textiles,
she says they have to be authentic.
"There is no use to play in a different
word league than your own."
Our blogs brought us together.
One soft little pointy headed creature
called to me and made a swap.
How delightful to see them sitting happily
in her wash basket.
One reason people invest
in face to face workshops
is to harvest not only technique,
but philosophy.
To gather by osmosis that which
the artist imparts invisibly.
What is unspoken is often more powerful,
and that is how I feel about Heike's creatures.
Like Julie Arkell,
Heike draws from her inner world
to make the invisible visible.
One of the remaining believers in
the wee folk, fee, gnomes
or in German, heinzelmannchen,
her creatures
are how she sees them.
Little pointy heads,
who can create mischief for those
who do not respect them.
I am totally inspired.
I am totally inspired.
I felt privileged to be invited
into her sacred space
and view her fabric stash.
Of course, Heike's class is fully booked out
next year in Australia's Art Fibre Fest.
You can go over to drool if you wish.
into her sacred space
and view her fabric stash.
next year in Australia's Art Fibre Fest.
You can go over to drool if you wish.
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I love to see what artists create and it's an added joy to see behind the scenes. Fabric stashes, book shelves, pin boards and arty clutter...... Where the magic happens.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, despite the attempted soul theft we Heinzelmännchen/Heinzelweiblein fear whenever we see a camera pointed in our direction...;) - going to take revenge immediately... cheers H.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete...glad you like it, Heike...
thanks for introducing me to Heike's work.... gawgus!
ReplyDeleteI came from Heike's website...and have to say that the two of you together must've been awesome. I follow your work on Flickr!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful being to share time with. I want friends like your friends. :)
ReplyDeletethis is a delightful window into heike's working world. thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am immediately at one with this camera shy person :) May I just say, her little creatures look like vegetables and teeth to me! Could this be my imagination? Terrific to see you having so much fun, D! X
ReplyDeleteYour travels are a magical mystery tour in which we get to be wee folk ourselves, stowed away in your satchel. Oh yes, you and Heike and the pointy-headed ones together, what a time that would have been. xo
ReplyDeleteWonderful to see a bit of the inside world of Heike. Thanks for sharing the privilege.
ReplyDeletea wonderful revieiw
ReplyDeletewonderful, as I knew it would be
ReplyDeletesounds like some good wandering going down
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful, duly drooling...I like the sound of Heike a lot! I like spare people...very good, very good indeed,
ReplyDeleteSarah -x-
To gather by osmosis that which
ReplyDeletethe artist imparts invisibly. oh yes!
a book of gnomes one of the first books taken from library.
did i ever give it back?
these are the true thing. I love them. Such personalities. You are very lucky. Your work shares a basket of time with Heike's. THank you both.
always
ReplyDeleteplay
to visit here
and
the best of words
photos
links
inspiration...
I feel like I have just wafted through that lovely post becoming more serene with every picture and enveloped in a sort of wistful sweetness ... many thanks
ReplyDeletex
sue
... and thanks from me to everyone! H.G.
ReplyDeletei have been away awhile...but you still have the most interesting posts!
ReplyDeleteLOVE her art!
ReplyDeleteBy the way I have posted on my blog, a little raggedy bird that comes to get peanuts- he may inspire you to make a similar one with your magic.
OMG....
ReplyDeletei would have paid to stand in the corner of the room both
of you were standing, without saying one word.
Both of you are amazing, inspiring . . .
really. truly.
OMG....
ReplyDeletei would have paid to stand in the corner of the room both
of you were standing, without saying one word.
Both of you are amazing, inspiring . . .
really. truly.
Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteThese little creatures are fascinating.
And to be in BERLIN!
Great review - revealing and sensitive - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI will have to be content just to 'drool'... your words and her images of her work... brought together in a very inspiring way.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful meeting of creative spirits.
ReplyDeleteI love Heike's work! I have followed her blog forever :) I was so lucky to have won some of her beautiful stitchery earlier this year. I'm so spoiled. But you were the real lucky one - you got to meet Heike's in person!
ReplyDelete