At Church, girls and women get to do nothing except worship men and make the tea. I like to look at all the patterns - the rush weave on the seats, the herringbone on the floor and the tired cracks in the kneelers. I wish our church would have a kneeler embroidery project.
There are meant to be ten commandments. 'Love thy neighbour' can't be one - look at the Reverend!! Ian Paisley stirring up murder and mayhem in Northern Ireland - driving even my Granny to hate (him, not the Catholics). Church people here seem to observe only four commandments - Thou shalt know that boys are best. Thou shalt wear Sunday clothes. Thou shalt push back thy cuticles (females only). Thou shalt not question.
The first person I knew who died was the Sunday school teacher. She was not old. It was very odd. If Heaven is so wonderful, and she's been chosen to be with God, why is everyone so sad? I don't think I'll be chosen soon 'cause I never get chosen for anything, but just in case, perhaps I'll only mouth the prayers.
16 comments:
Alison, you've been tagged. Check my blog for details.
And I love these drawings too. One of the rare times your childhood doesn't strike a chord with mine. I love your memory paintings. They are always so interesting.
what a neat post! I really enjoyed it, maybe because I secretly sketch in church once in awhile :)
I love this,Not being a church goer it was all very mysterious to me. I didnt tag any one when I was tagged as I felt every one had already been done!
Now you can get on with your memory pics, and what fun they are. Going to church as a kid - well, we were Anglicans and there was plenty of dark stories and guys in skirts, but not really bells and smells. I played Here the pennies dropping for the kindie kids.
w.
These are very powerful drawings/paintings. And I love the ironic things you've written to go with them (like, if this is what it means to be chosen, maybe I don't want to be chosen...., and boys seem to have a better deal than girls, what's up with that??). Wonderful commentary.
Heady stuff here... Some of this came across loud and clear in my childhood too; like the fact that boys are more important than girls. Your description of the funeral was very acurite from the view of a child. I didn't lose anyone I knew when I was that young but the reasoning makes sense.
Alison - what a hook! I had to read on. You should have seen the photos of Ian Paisley last week sitting next to Martin McGuinness who is now his Deputy in the power-sharing at Stormont.........
Your strong sense of the unusual continues in both sketches and text - keep up the good work
This is a great post - lovely sketches with accompanying word sketches. My favorite is the reverend with his finger.
Ronell
i enjoy your memory posts each time I visit. its something that seems near impossible for me to do. great sketches.
Amen!
Enjoyed your post, both artwork and oh-so-true comments.
Great job on the pointing finger!
Hi Alison, some more great pictures. that URL you left me (marmite pics) doesn't work - will you pass it on again? thanks!
I love (well, sort of, if you see what I mean) the wagging finger - I remember that. I was often in trouble at school for questioning things.
and you are so right about those commandments.
Fascinating words and pictures. I know so little about church stuff but you so perfectly captured the view of church from a small person's perspective...the mystery, confusion and injustice served meant to be swallowed as religion. I'm sure it can also be spiritual and healing and meaningful but there's way to much of the other.
I really like the compositions here. And these would make such a great book.
brilliant stuff Alison. I LOVE reading your memories!
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