The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .
I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care. Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well. So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents. This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!
I always marvel at how people and things are placed in our path when we need it. . . whether we know it or not. The key is being able to recognize what is happening and being able to process the message.
My creativity has been sidetracked lately. . by life. It happens. I've learned not to push it or force anything, but I feel that the longer it takes me to get back to creating, the harder it is to be creative. Through a chance meeting and subsequent conversation with a like-minded stranger today I think that my spark has been renewed. Funny how that happens. . . and even funnier. . . I think it worked the same for us both. . .
Sometimes I get in my own way when it comes to being creative. I get blocked. Ideas flood my brain and won't stop. Sometimes it goes on day and night for a day or so, but most of the time it's weeks or months at a time. There's no relief. When that happens, I become unable to pull one little idea out of my head and start working on it. Getting better at directing and channeling the ideas is part of my journey. Tho I keep sketch and idea books, it doesn't help. There are just too many ideas . . .
One of the many images that has been gnawing at me is a photo taken by my buddy and wonderful singer, songwriter Anne Hills. It has called to me for over a year now and I just have to do something to start the ball rolling.
So today I said the heck with it and just grabbed some fabric and started painting, stamping, screening. When done I took the one that a dried first and started playing.
After tormenting the fabric, I stitched the bird and tree outline image from Anne's photo.
The fabric that that I used wasn't a very tight weave. Normally that wouldn't have been a huge problem, but my 'batting' choice made for a bad combination. It was from an old mattress pad that had seen better days. While doing the free motion sewing, I had trouble with stretching because the piece didn't have enough body. I see where I went wrong and will definitely make adjustments in the future.
Shortly after starting this weekly project, I decided that it made sense to create a binder of experiments. That way I can play with fabrics, techniques, images, etc. in small quiltlets rather than mess up an already almost finished quilt. (been there, done that) Good thing because this week was chock full of lessons!
