The older I get, the more curious I am about religion and spirituality and what it means to people. I think this is only natural, after all-I'm not getting any younger...
Recently I checked out a bunch of library books about the Shakers. I am, of course, intrigued by their designs, but more interesting to me is their commitment to work and simplicity.
The first book, Shaker Design by June Sprigg, is where these images are from.
These beautiful pieces of fabrics are silks from a Shaker community in Kentucky. They were the first to make silk in America! The mitten forms in the top photo are so beautiful....
While creating frivolous artwork was discouraged, creating maps of one's village was encouraged. The few Shaker drawings that are in existence truly amaze me. They are so beautiful and was stunned me is that they seem so very modern. The book has more to see, and I definitely recommend checking it out.
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The two other Shaker book I am going to recommend are also by Sprigg. Apparently, she was able to live in one of the last shaker villages. She was there as a tour guide in the 70's. The Shakers led celibate lives and if my research is right, there are only a handful left in the world. She wrote an amazing memoir of this time called Simple Gifts .
I'm still reading it, but it is so fascinating. I am envious that she was able to spend so much time with these people and grateful that she shares her experiences.
The last book I am going to share today is Shaker Life, Work, and Art . This is a really beautiful book, I need camera batteries otherwise I would be posting photos. This gives a great overall picture of what being a Shaker was like. The photos are great and the text is very easy to read.
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This post is all over the place. Sorry for that. I hope to keep reading and come back when I can process all of this....thanks for playing along and don't forget to comment so I can add you to the link list!
more book goodness:
-Blair
