The Dressmaker, a vignette

Enter the Dressmaker's charming cottage.  She leads you up the staircase to her studio,  the air heavy with the past.  With history.  With memories of all the dresses, and the women, and the stories that came before you. So many stories.  Some memories faded and receding. All held within the dress form.

What will she create and craft for you?  How will the fabric, the mannequin and your story guide her? How does she see you?  How do you imagine yourself?  Will she bring to life a commanding stiff brocade,  a shimmering iridescent taffeta,  or a soft, flowing and ethereal chiffon.  

She will be inspired by your story,  your essence,  your dreams.  So cozy up on her workroom sofa, sipping the hot tea and she will quietly, gently ask questions as you examine the fabrics. And she will learn your story. She will create a dream of a gown that is for you alone.

And your story will be held and cherished by the mannequin on which it was sculpted, adding to it's rich history.

A Conversation with my Youngest Art Collector

 "Mothers... Past, Present, Future", watercolor and charcoal on paper, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

Last night I met with a collector who was purchasing "Mothers... Past, Present, Future" and my 8 year daughter was along for the meeting. She listened to our conversation about art, Moms, parenting, loss, life and age-old friendships. She also watched me like a hawk when she saw me tear up as we were saying goodbye - to the collector and to the piece.
"Mom, how can you sell a painting you love if it makes you sad to let it leave?"

I explained that is was my job to create art and release it to the world. And, that I wasn't truly sad, since I was thrilled it was being purchased, but that is never easy to let a favorite go. But, if my art has deep meaning to me, then it probably will to others. So the more emotional or connected I feel to a piece, the more others will be too. The bottom line really is if I can sell my art, then I can keep painting.  

This morning she was in my studio studying the Vintage Lavender Dress painting, yet again.

"Mom, if I had enough money would you sell me this one? I love it, but I do not want to make you sad."  
As my heart swelled with love, so did my eyes with tears.

I am hanging it in her room today - and the original is hers forever!