One of my tangible outcomes was Taputi - the bead. She was my entry in the BSV's inaugural Single Bead competition themed 'Initiation'. I was thrilled she was acknowledged with a Highly Commended Award.
Here's her story:
Tapputi – the bead is named after and was inspired by Tapputi-Belatekallim
a Mesopotamian woman who scholars
believe initiated chemistry, particularly the chemistry of perfume making over
3,300 years ago. The shape of Tapputi – the bead evokes the bulbous,
narrow necked perfume containers of her times and its colours are inspired by
the earthy colours of myrrh and balsam two of the key ingredients in her first
recorded perfume recipe. From Tapputi’s times onwards, perfumed oils and
unguents have played a central role in initiation rituals and ceremonies in
many cultures so its not surprising to find a contemporary perfume named
‘Initiation’. Perhaps it’s time for one to bear Tapputi’s name as a reminder of
her legacy. In the meantime, Tapputi – the
bead is my homage to all that she initiated.
Now the Open Studio - that is another story - for another blog post. Hopefully, before December goes!