A timely reminder - thank you! Once upon a time I commented to a wise woman that I “needed a project”. She suggested that I take on myself as a “project”. Forty years later, here I am. . . an eternal UFO(!) - exploring, experimenting, and (mostly) enjoying adventures in art/life. I frequently return to two favorite quotes: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” (Emily Dickinson) and “When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us. The doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” (Michael Bridges)
Thank you for this post, Lesley. Like you, I am in a transition phase with my artwork. This weekend I continued divesting myself of the UFOs that have been nagging at me, taking Marie Kondo’s advice and keeping only what sparks joy. I’ve been selling and donating the fabric, notions, supplies and books that I know are not part of the trajectory that I’m on now. I’ve worked in many different mediums over the years, and I find myself always returning to textiles, fiber, and paper in some way. I am working on how I can combine them into something new. Using your questions as a writing exercise will help me clarify where I’m going with my creative practice. I have a vague image swirling around in my brain that needs to be coaxed out and given life. Starting with a deep dive into why I am attracted to certain pieces of art is a good place to start as I continue making space for the creative work that I am meant to do.
I look forward to reading you and hearing your voice on Mondays mornings. In 2015 I opened a Manila envelope filled with vintage photos and little notes on the back….that was my moment. Today I wander virtually through collections of images in the library of congress and write more deeply about the background of the work I make. Yes my heart, head, and gut tell me which direction is the right one.
Thanks for sharing this. Even though I'm elbow-deep in moving boxes, I have felt creatively dry (like toast). So I pulled up this piece you've written to remember me. When my first four were babies (literally), and we lived in a tiny fishing village in Rhode Island, there was a magical shop on the corner called Chica Ink. My soul left my body, and flew around the tiny paper/rubber stamp shop, bathing in the colors, layering, and papers.The quest for my creative soul to emerge really began there, and I have recently been doing a variation of the exercise you mention about three things. It has opened my eyes quite a bit and has tremendous value.
It's really hard to think and do creatively while in the middle of a transition. I can barely clean/organize my office and have a creative thought at the same time. It's been a rough week - impending full moon I think. So glad the three things is helping.
I sooo needed to read this today! I have often thought of myself as a seeker, and sometimes it does feel exhausting. Seeing ‘making’ as a way to switch that off and ‘rest’ is really helpful. I’m also going to enjoy exploring to find the essence of what lights me up. Thank you 🤩
Absolutely true even if doing another form of art than textiles. I moved away from textiles years ago to jewelry design. My love of color was so strong and I needed & wanted to work with different colors faster. Jewelry design provided the means to accomplish a finished piece so much quicker and then be able to move on with the next design. But I may be incorporating my jewelry designs with textile work soon making a full circle of creativity!
This is exactly what I needed. To read that you made so many fabric collages speaks to me. I am a quilter and I find if difficult to make something that seemingly has no purpose. When the sole purpose could simply be to create.
A timely reminder - thank you! Once upon a time I commented to a wise woman that I “needed a project”. She suggested that I take on myself as a “project”. Forty years later, here I am. . . an eternal UFO(!) - exploring, experimenting, and (mostly) enjoying adventures in art/life. I frequently return to two favorite quotes: “I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” (Emily Dickinson) and “When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us. The doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” (Michael Bridges)
I also love that Dickinson quote. Thanks for the Bridges quote.
Hmmm, I guess we are a project, a continuing work in pregress. And that's a good thing.
Thank you for this post, Lesley. Like you, I am in a transition phase with my artwork. This weekend I continued divesting myself of the UFOs that have been nagging at me, taking Marie Kondo’s advice and keeping only what sparks joy. I’ve been selling and donating the fabric, notions, supplies and books that I know are not part of the trajectory that I’m on now. I’ve worked in many different mediums over the years, and I find myself always returning to textiles, fiber, and paper in some way. I am working on how I can combine them into something new. Using your questions as a writing exercise will help me clarify where I’m going with my creative practice. I have a vague image swirling around in my brain that needs to be coaxed out and given life. Starting with a deep dive into why I am attracted to certain pieces of art is a good place to start as I continue making space for the creative work that I am meant to do.
I'm so glad this is helpful at this time in your artlife. Sounds like we are definitely on parallel paths.
I look forward to reading you and hearing your voice on Mondays mornings. In 2015 I opened a Manila envelope filled with vintage photos and little notes on the back….that was my moment. Today I wander virtually through collections of images in the library of congress and write more deeply about the background of the work I make. Yes my heart, head, and gut tell me which direction is the right one.
So happy to hear you look forward to this.
Yes, old photos have such a way of drawing us in and trying to discern a story. We will never know, but can create one!
Thanks for sharing this. Even though I'm elbow-deep in moving boxes, I have felt creatively dry (like toast). So I pulled up this piece you've written to remember me. When my first four were babies (literally), and we lived in a tiny fishing village in Rhode Island, there was a magical shop on the corner called Chica Ink. My soul left my body, and flew around the tiny paper/rubber stamp shop, bathing in the colors, layering, and papers.The quest for my creative soul to emerge really began there, and I have recently been doing a variation of the exercise you mention about three things. It has opened my eyes quite a bit and has tremendous value.
It's really hard to think and do creatively while in the middle of a transition. I can barely clean/organize my office and have a creative thought at the same time. It's been a rough week - impending full moon I think. So glad the three things is helping.
I sooo needed to read this today! I have often thought of myself as a seeker, and sometimes it does feel exhausting. Seeing ‘making’ as a way to switch that off and ‘rest’ is really helpful. I’m also going to enjoy exploring to find the essence of what lights me up. Thank you 🤩
Find your own “theme” song that lights you up and play it when you begin create. 😘
Absolutely true even if doing another form of art than textiles. I moved away from textiles years ago to jewelry design. My love of color was so strong and I needed & wanted to work with different colors faster. Jewelry design provided the means to accomplish a finished piece so much quicker and then be able to move on with the next design. But I may be incorporating my jewelry designs with textile work soon making a full circle of creativity!
Oh, this sounds wonderful, Chris. Expanding and growing with our art is always a positive move. It will be fun to see what comes next.
This is exactly what I needed. To read that you made so many fabric collages speaks to me. I am a quilter and I find if difficult to make something that seemingly has no purpose. When the sole purpose could simply be to create.
Glad it was helpful. My dad always asked what it was for and for a while I was stuck there, too. Now I know it’s for fun, for my sanity and my soul.
Such a great answer, I will be using that 😃
You spoke to my heart!!!
Music to my ears! xox