you have been here some time

it wasn't until after she had died that i realised that my grandmother, a wonderful cook, almost defined in my world by her wonderful cooking, didn't begin to cook in earnest until she was almost 50.

louise bourgeois, too, did not come into her own, or at least did not exhibit her works publicly until she was past 50.

i just recently read that a collection of interviews given by louise bourgeois was chosen by david john, you have been here some time, as the book that most inspired him

Louise Bourgeois Destruction of the Father, Reconstruction of the Father - Writings and Interviews 1923 - 1997

Louise Bourgeois' writings and interviews have given me more insight than perhaps any other designer/artist. On my down days, I can open the yellowed pages and sink into her explanations and defenses of why she created work for 70 plus years . Every time, I'm instantly grounded.

i found this book in the library by chance last week. i was looking at books about sustainable house design and dealing with architects, and another library user has tucked louise bourgeois into this company.

would i have borrowed it if i hadn't read john's piece? can't say, but i like the chance of it.

i am 41. it is not too late. it is never too late.

"you have been here some time" is no reason to think there is not much more time to spend.

there is still time to be brave

louise bourgeois, I Do. I Undo. I Redo (text

written on 28 february 2000 concerning a sculpture of the same name commissioned by tate modern)

I do is an active state. It's a positive affirmation. I am in control, and I move forward, toward a goal or a wish or a desire. There is no fear. In terms of a relationship, things are fine and peaceful ... It is the "I Love You" no matter what.

The Undo is the unravelling. The torment that things are not right and the anxiety of not knowing what to do. There can be total destruction in the attempt to find an answer, and there can be terrific violence that descends into depression. One is immobile in the wake of the fear. It is the view from the bottom of the well. In terms of a relationship to others, it's a total rejection and destruction. It is the return of the repressed ... One retreats into one's lair to strategise, recover and regroup.

The Redo means that a solution is found to the problem. It may not be the final answer, but there is an attempt to go forward. You get clearer in your thinking. You are active again. You have confidence again. In terms of relationships to others, the reparation and reconciliation have been achieved. Things are back to normal. There is hope and love again.