Sweep...

For about a month or so I've been fixated on brooms- their history, the connotations of this particular object and my own perpetual use.  Most who have been to my living space have noticed my neat freak tendencies.  Now, while I enjoy the comfortability of a clean house, I am really inspired by the practice of cleaning.  The various tools, solvents and methods are more important to me than the end result and I think it's the ritual of the whole practice that's soothing. 

A google search revealed that the mass production of brooms was initiated by the Shaker community around 1798. With that little tidbit I've been reading more about this charismatic movement of gender-equal Christianity.  Apparently, I'm not the only one who's been inspired by this sect.  Michael Queenland "has been fascinated by deviant groups such as the Shakers ever since growing up a Davidian (yup, like Waco)". 

Sculpture by Michael Queenland, 2005

LINKS
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Disney, 1940) 
American Music Preservation | Shaker Music

http://www.victortradingco.com/BroomLore.html

http://forgeandbroom.com/broom

http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com/ceremonybroom.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5386890_history-brooms.html

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243548/

http://www.everyculture.com/North-America/Shakers.html