Feeding the Creative Soul

It was a wonderful play date with my friend Barbara. It had been more than two months since the last time we got together and I was struck by how much I have missed our creative play dates. She commented about how we use to spend hours on each card. Okay, a slight exaggeration but we use to stress and work so hard. Now we breeze through (she is still quicker) our creations. We no longer over-think. We quickly came to the realization that each piece does not need to be a masterpiece. It simply has to be expressions of love. This is what comes of practice.

After working on gifts for family and friends, I made some collage cards just for me. It was so much fun. They made me feel good. They are definitely cards that I will be happy to share. It also makes me want to create something similar in fabric. I'm excited! I don't remember who said it but it has always rung true to me, "A state of excitement, and it is like a faucet: nothing comes unless you turn it on, and the more you turn it on, the more comes."

I was limited to what I decided to pack and carry to Barbara's today. I think the limited pallet and Barbara's challenge to use a sheet of rub-ons helped me create them. Ultimately, it doesn't matter to the world that I have created these. The world can get by without them and me, but that is not the point. The point is what the inner process of following our creative impulses will do to us. It is all about process. Love the work, love the process. Grow, make mistakes and above all keep creating. That's what I plan to keep doing. There is no alternative to showing up.

A Little Piece Of History

Over the weekend when I was paying for something, I discovered that I had a Buffalo/Indian Head nickel.  My dad loves to collect coins (ones that end up in his pocket) so he will be thrilled when I share him my news. It's been around for a long time and almost all the lettering has worn off. These coins were minted from 1913-1938. The U.S. Mint says, "Buffalo nickels are also regarded as good luck pieces by some and seem to engender a sense of nostalgia for others." I hoping for luck and feeling a little nostalgic. 

I have always had a passion for history and especially the history of women. It is why I became involved in preserving quilt history and why I encourage people to document their own. We need to make sure that there is not a disconnect between object and person.  It is something I need to do more of with my own quilts especially since I have begun to give them away. How are you documenting your work?

Is it important to you to be remembered through your quilts? I remember the first time I was asked that question and to be honest, I had not thought about my quilts in that way. I do know that the family quilts that I have I truly wish I knew who made them and something about the women who made them.  I was thrilled to learn through probate records that my great-grandfather that quilts were listed in the inventory. Who will wonder about you and me?

Feather Quilt- Opinion Needed

The first thing I want you to know is that it is square. I just threw it quickly on the design wall to photograph and did not take the time to straighten it. I often photograph my quilts because seeing them in a photo can often make me see things I do not see when looking at it in person.

The first photograph show what I have put together as of last night. I am vowing to push this quilt as far as I can take it so remember, this is just the beginning. I plan to add words, more texture, etc. I had a piece of fabric I am considering sitting in my coffee cup all night so that it would be less white. My son did not even skip a beat when he watched me take it out this morning before refilling it.

My vision for  this piece is to make it be about loss and rebirth.

I would really like to include the linen indigo piece (see photo 2) but I am not sure it works. It might be a case where I want it to work, not that it does work. Would love to hear your thoughts.

Joining Nina-Marie for her Off the Wall Fridays.

Tissue Paper Feathers as Winged Messengers

I seem to seriously have feathers on the brain lately. Working on Carol's feather, it suddenly struck me that I could make paper feathers and use them as my Winged Messengers. I wanted them to be some what real looking. I did not care for my first attempts out of construction paper-too kindergarten looking. Digging through my supplies I came across some yellow gold tissue paper. Success! I used two pieces of tissue paper, some simple white string and spray adhesive (I knew I bought that stuff for a reason). I am going to play around with adding color but I think this is just what I was looking to make and share. They will be much easier to slip into places without being noticed than the watercolor papered winged hearts. Now back to working on my feather quilt. Enjoy!

Incredible Gift, Crow Mask and Releasing with Love

 I continue to be amazed and pleased to be in the company of so many people who share my love affair with feathers. Yesterday in my mailbox I received the most incredible discharged feathers from my friend Carol Esch. I have been the most grateful recipient of many fine gifts from Carol over the years. The fabric is on my design wall. I think I am going to start with the black one. I have an idea which is noodling around in my head. Should be a challenge and fun. With deepest gratitude, thanks Carol.

Monday night I was able to bring home my first in what I see being a series of crow masks. I love the way this one came out except I did not do a good job (lesson learned) in placing straight holes so that I could have items coming up from behind the mask. I am still debating as to whether I consider this one done. Time will tell.

Thanks to everyone for their encouraging words about my clay work. I lost a long time follower last week because she felt that I was being "too distracted" from "my life mission" with clay. She couldn't "support it any longer." This made me sad on many levels.  I have always played with different kinds of materials and feel that it is  important to be creative in every way that I can. Creativity feeds more creativity for me. Also above all I want to be a kind and sharing person. No one likes to hear that she has disappointed someone especially me. I love my followers and appreciate their support and kindness (I am still amazed I have them). So I release Maureen with love.  Is it difficult for you to let go of people?

Learning to Embrace Layers

 I am so thankful for artists who allow me to continue to grow and learn with the opportunities these artists provide. This is especially true of the two artists I participate with in the Sisterhood of the Travelling Art Journal. When Helen Lindton's journal with the theme of "Icons" arrived again I knew that I needed to give this Australian American icons. Please know that I am not overly patriotic. It just seemed fitting. For me, it was a chance to play with layers and have a little fun. Hopefully Helen will be pleased.

Pushing the limits of layers is something that I want to continue to explore. What are you doing to push your limits?

Creativity Assignment 8: When is a Quilt Not a Quilt

“If you shoot at mimes, should you use a silencer?” Stephen Wright

“It’s all about the process for me now.”  Bruce Willis

 

Assignment #8 – When is a Quilt Not a Quilt? 

Use “found” or everyday objects to make a quilt. Think outside the box ,but close to home (no shopping). How about objects/materials you recycle? What makes a quilt a quilt? And who defines it? (This time you do!)

Remember to have fun!

 

Suggested Reading: “The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle” by Steven Pressfield (This book uses “she” not “he” which is interesting to read.)

Book's description:

A succinct, engaging, and practical guide for succeeding in any creative sphere, The War of Art is nothing less than Sun-Tzu for the soul. What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece? Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself. Whether an artist, writer or business person, this simple, personal, and no-nonsense book will inspire you to seize the potential of your life.

Suggested video watching: “Frida” - The life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Pay attention to how her paintings are used.