Artist's Corner: Journal Entry 9 by artist Helena Tomlin

This is the nineth blogpost by artist Helena Tomlin. You can read her previous entries here.

A new decade is here and I am deeply immersed in the end stages of the 50 Objects work, and feel it has enabled me to think about new ways forward with my practice. 

After spending time ‘relearning’ embroidery stitches I have found working on the pieces a deeply therapeutic thing. The little needle cases I'm going to make are next on the to do list and I'm toying with the idea of felt, but it feels too ‘modern’ a material so I might find some old canvas instead. 

As well as this I have been looking at how to display them so that they can be seen properly, and have ordered some shop fitting display props for hats so that they can be draped over them. They are due to arrive today so fingers crossed all the elements for the installation will be complete. The imagined shape of a piece of work and the actual are always slightly different and in making the final adjustments new ideas often emerge. 

I’m also preparing for the workshop linked to the 50 Objects project (making a miniature 'Museum of Me') on 19 February which will be of interest to people who would like to find a new and creative way to explore their family history. More details will be posted on the blog shortly.