Weaving My Story

Maureen Pollard

The Story of My Loom

I chose cardboard to make my loom, because the invisible forces that have shaped me into who I am today are not all physically present in a meaningful way in my life today. I will weave on the foundation of this cardboard loom, and I will reflect on their influence as I weave, but just as I have removed myself from influences that cause me harm, I will remove the piece I weave from this loom.

I learned that while I respect the foundation laid by the forces that have influenced me, I am not obligated to remain connected to those who cause me harm. I am free to take the beauty and strength from it all and move forward in the world, safe and well.

The Story of My Warp.

I chose a lightly variegated yarn for my warp, representing my core with my mind, body, and soul in the variations of colour. The cream colour represents the essence of my core, with flecks of blue for mind, red for body, purple for soul, and yellow for attitude.

The Story of My Weave.

This process, from conception to completion, was an opportunity to reflect on the people and events that have influenced me throughout my life. On this relatively small loom, I became aware of how much space my past was taking as I sought to represent significant events and their impact. As I worked, I contemplated the possibility of creating additional pieces where I might represent my story in other ways. Even so, I feel this piece reflects the way my mind has been drawn to the past recently as I’m working through old patterns of thinking and behaving. I continue to evolve by healing old wounds and finding new ways to be in relationship with myself and with others. I desire a future where I am peaceful and my life is balanced, with time for rest, companionship, creativity, work, and play. I know that I am always transforming and that I can weather whatever storms come, sometimes obscuring the blue skies.