I began using  gold thread in my work after reading a poem by William Stafford. He talks about the thread that runs through our lives.

“The way It Is”

There’s a thread you follow. It

goes among

things that change. But it

doesn’t change.

People wonder about what you

are pursuing.

You have to explain about the

thread.

But it is hard for others to see.

While you hold it you can’t get

lost.

Tragedies happen; people get

hurt

or die; and you suffer and get

old.

Nothing you do can stop time’s

unfolding.

You don’t ever let go of the thread.

I visualize a gold thread . A thread of gold represents for me, a spiritual connection. Joss paper, gold leaf and gold thread can be found throughout my artwork. The inclusion of gold unites and completes a piece for me.

In Greek Mythology, the three fates decide man’s destiny. Clotho, the spinner, spins the thread of life. Lachesis, the measurer, chooses the lot in life one will have and measures out how long it will be . Atropos , she who cannot be turned, cuts the thread of life upon death.

In another Greek myth, Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, gives Theseus string to find his way out of the labyrinth and flee the Minotaur.

“you don’t ever let go of the thread”