Carol Mesimer is a talented fiber artist, a Mid-Atlantic state quilt instructor, and the designer of many beautiful appliqued pieces. She is also an advocate for a quality education even if it means homeschooling a child that the public school didn't challenge adequately.
(Above: Educating at Home, Decision Portrait Series. Detail. Click on image to enlarge.)
Her son is very, very intelligent. Years ago, the school expected him to "stay with his class". Carol knew he needed more. She provided it through high school!
I stitched the portrait using lots of gold star sequins meant as rather obvious symbols of a great job done in the classroom! I also tried to stitch a few gold metallic threads around Carol's face in order to draw attention to her. This was her choice, her decision. Raising children is difficult enough; she took on even more work!
(Above: Educating at Home, Decision Portrait Series. Detail. Click on image to enlarge.)
Currently, Carol and her son are still traveling together. He's into computers, F-1, and NASCAR racing while looking for an ideal job. When asked about the experience of having his mother as a primary instructor, he said, "There were times when I thought nearly anything would be an improvement to learning at home from Mom, but thinking back, I got to travel a lot, we did things other kids couldn't, and it really was a lot of fun."
Tough job to teach your children at home. I don't know that I would be disiplined enough to keep them on track. I like the gold stars, nice touch, you deserve a few of those yourself.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Another piece of terrific art. Your stitches shine!
ReplyDeleteHer and her son's lives do too.
Great decision.