SMALL BLUE THING

“Small Blue Thing”

Embroidery and Appliqué on Canvas

23” Diameter

I am not much of a concertgoer, to say the least. In fact, the amount of concerts I have been to, I

can probably count on two hands. But back in the late nineties, I studied in Norfolk, UK and

Suzanne Vega was playing a concert at the University.

Years earlier, by chance, I came across an old and worn out Suzanne Vega cassette tape at the

local library, which I decided to bring home. I listened to it over and over, for an entire Christmas

break. The poetry, the soft voice and simple guitar had me under a spell.

Back to 1997, University of East Anglia. Suzanne Vega’s performance blew me away. Every song

was performed with such perfection and emotion, but when she sang “Small Blue Thing” my hair

stood up, and I got chills. This song will forever have a special meaning for me.

‘Today I am,

A small blue thing

Like a marble,

Or an eye

With my knees against my mouth

I am perfectly round,

I am watching you

I am cold against your skin

You are perfectly reflected

I am lost inside your pocket

I am lost against

Your fingers

I am falling down the stairs

I am skipping on the sidewalk

I am thrown against the sky

I am raining down in pieces

I am scattering like light

Scattering like light

Scattering like light

Today I am

A small blue thing

Made of china

Made of glass

I am cool and smooth and curious

I never blink

I am turning in your hand

Turning in your hand

Small blue thing”