Her Cut-out Heart is Like a Cracked Heirloom
by Margarite Tuchardt
I began making collages, tacking together snippets of lace and old pictures. It was a lot like the way I spent my life, moving from scene to scene while deep inside hoping
somehow it would all fit together. My cut-out heart was like a cracked heirloom. It had been broken as a child, mended with jagged edges spackled with gold. Then again in my thirties and twice in my prime my heart ripped out of my chest. “The more layers of paper and glue the better it will look”, my teachers told me. I chose bits and pieces of ribbon and broken jewelry to create this life-collage that shouts well lived, loved and worn.
I’ve lived a full life with river rapids and monsoons, with blues and purples and yes even plaid and paisley. The background has shifted from wild red sunsets to the soothing aqua marine of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. My beautiful cracked heart covered with ridges is filled with veins and life enhancing blood.
My fingers collect bits and pieces Of the stories of my life, Of this cut-out heart, Of this beautiful cracked heirloom
This is the Valentine I bring.