Young Mother Sewing

Mary Cassatt

Cassatt was in the first generation of ‘New Women’, riding the waves of early 19th century feminism to universities and freedom. The only American impressionist, she had a close, likely platonic, relationship with Degas, each fuelling, critiquing and improving the other. Yet, after 10 years with the group, she abandoned him and the movement. Cassatt was fiercely independent, across every element of her life, and she resisted the constraints of working within a group of artists. Instead, she turned her eye to the domestic, feminine scenes she saw around her. The latter years of her life were dedicated to painting scenes of mothers and daughters – dignified and quiet, without drama or politics, they are contemporary versions of renaissance compositions, Madonna and Child updated to the tribulations of contemporary motherhood.

Monday 19th October

The Moon moves through Capricorn, an earth sign associated in biodynamics with the root aspect of the plant, bringing a grounding quality to the day. As the autumn garden quietens, turn your attention to the soil that has supported the season’s growth. Spreading well-rotted compost over cleared beds offers something back, feeding the soil’s living community and helping build its structure for the year ahead. There is no need to dig it all in; earthworms will gradually draw organic matter down, continuing their quiet work beneath our feet. Take a moment to notice the compost itself: its dark colour, crumbly texture and earthy scent. What was once stems, leaves and kitchen scraps has become the foundation for new growth. Working with compost reminds us that a garden’s fertility is built through patient care, and that even as the days shorten, we can begin preparing for abundance.

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