As storm Eugene raged outside the workshop I was coincidentaly working on some Monsoon pieces and the words of Vivian Greene came to mind; "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... Life is about learning to dance in the rain."
Rain and storms were just the inspiration behind the Monsoon collection with its droplet like shapes, filled with dark swirls on one side and serenly plain on the other.
The collection was my attempt to capture the contrasts that storms bring....
the calm before and after, juxtaposed the dark wildness of the storm itself.
A turmoil that can also rage within our minds, bodies and souls!
The Monsoon pieces are therefore reversable to best suit the occasion or mood.
The storm wasn't too unkind to us personally...
- 2 trees down: they needed topping anyway and will supply us with fire wood for next winter
- Asphalt blown off a section of flat roof: A nudge to update and renovate.
Obviously there is a darker side to storms and the devastation they can cause. For many they pose a severe threat to life and livelyhoods but monsoons can also be a source of benefit.
That is why this year 15% of all Monsoon collection sales will be donated to the WaterHarvest Monsoon Promise Appeal.
WaterHarvest works with the most disadvantaged people in the most desolate areas to provide a sustainable water source that truly makes every drop count!
If women and their families are able to effectively capture the monsoon rains they can gain personal safety with water at home, gain better drinking water that improves health, gain freedom to go to school and spend time with the family, gain income and reduce crippling poverty, and gain independence and equality in the community through Water Councils and Self-Help Groups. A roof rainwater harvesting system, that captures and stores the limited, precious rain, is a promise of a better future but only if we can provide them!
Wishing you all well
Annika Rutlin
0 comments