No other type of bridge has played such a significant role in my life as the air bridge. I had the good fortune to be born an Australian and with it, the privellege of having a passport that allowed me to travel easily - to visit and, in some cases, live in a wide range of countries.
Of course, the more I travelled, the more long-distant connections I formed and before I knew it, I was living in another country to family and my closest friends and it wasn't until COVID hit that I realised just how much I had taken for granted that airbridge that had hitherto enabled me to visit my significant people.
Now, the air bridge can't fully serve its function as a bridge to the traveller without offering you a plane to sit on part-way through the journey! I was going to have a less identifiable airliner but ended up choosing to represent Air New Zealand. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, as NZ was my adopted home for many years, I have probably flown with them more than any other airline. Secondly, during all the stresses of the last 2.5 years with my freedom to travel to and from NZ so severely restricted, Air NZ were just wonderful from when I had my meltdown at Sydney airport when I was told I couldn't fly to NZ, to crediting flights, changing flights, providing great inflight service and so on. And, thirdly, I love their logo - the Koru - not only because of its visual appeal but because it symbolises 'new life, growth, strength and peace' (Wikipedia).
The background fabric is from a piece I bought from the Apple Basket quilt shop in Kaiwaka, north of Auckland. Mum and I had been in there a number of times together and I had shown her this fabric on one of our visits but didn't get it at the time as, well, I was having a rare moment of constraint in a patchwork shop! I bought it after mum died knowing there would be something I could do with it. And, here it is as the perfect backdrop to the air bridge! I can find on that fabric cities and countries that are meaningful to me. (It is just a pity that Europe is not featured.)
The airbridge is flattened-out left-over binding I very conveniently came across. I concertinaed it and - voila - we have an air bridge!
Isn't it interesting how we just know we have to buy a certain piece of fabric for future use even though we may have many (hundreds in my case) pieces in our stashes. It will bring back happy memories of your Mum too and probably many shopping expeditions with her .
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing take on the subject and so meaningful. Hope you had joy and some happy memories stitching it together
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you have ended on such a special piece - so full of meaning and imagery. Love your take on the subject. That fabric is a gift! Best wishes, Hilary
ReplyDeleteThank you Hilary. Is there not one more architecture piece to go?
DeleteYes, within architecture - Allison's choice. Sorry, I have lost track of who's leaving and who's staying and when... H
ReplyDeleteA very apt piece Amanda. A lovely take on the subject and well done and thought out. Best wishes as you move forward into the future with, I am sure, many adventures ahead.
ReplyDeleteAn original take on the subject, that certainly resonates with us all, as we have all been separated from family and friends by covid. In our case it was for three years, though we are not as far away from them as you are. I love the bridge and background fabrics.
ReplyDeleteA poignant piece Amanda. And one that I think resonates with all of us in some fashion or another. I like your vision in creating this.
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