A thought-provoking read. . . thank you! Are you familiar with Loose Ends, a group of knitters and crocheters who finish projects left behind by deceased loved ones? They provide comfort to those who seek their service.
My current fav substack. Thanks Lesley. I dont seem to have a problem w not finishing. Loose zero sleep over them. Sometimes u just need more inspiration. Sometimes u revisit them and they are far better than u thought. Yes I need a clear out but think i will think about that a while too. 😘
Oh, Maggie. Thank you so much. I'm about to start a major organization of the studio. It will be interesting to see how many or what I have. I know I'll be inspired to finish or incorporate it into something else as I've done in the past with so many.
Ah Lesley...when one does many different media..(painting, sewing, writing, doll making, and the list goes on)...one has many "unfinished" pieces...some the muse returns...most not. In the past few years I have closed my eyes when putting the work in a bag to go to the good will...
there are works that must be done though...but maybe revised in a way...shortened(the novel that was never completed may become a novella), the photo album may be simplified...
Great post as usual...much food for thought and helping us all not to feel as guilty for not finishing it all...Thank you Lesley for being there! <3
I can relate since I tend to do it all as well. Seeing what I find when I begin the studio(s) organization this weekend will be interesting. I feel no guilt, though, because it's all a learning process and part of the process. Hopefully, I can combine some of them into an entirely new and wonderful piece.
Oh my goodness, this is so perfect! Yesterday I was standing in the middle of my studio after a very long absence. I felt that familiar itch to make something. I let out a huge sigh as I perused no less than a dozen or so unfinished handmade art books and journals. I thumbed through each one and not one shred of a spark lit my creative fire. I kept telling myself I should finish one of those and not start another. I did indeed start another, it’s not my usual style or detailed process, it’s actually pretty simple. As I worked an idea evolved and it formed itself into a recipe/journal that I know a friend who collects family stories and recipes will love. This one I will finish because there is creative passion behind it. Thank you so much for the reminder that it is indeed ok to not finish every project!
Hi Sandy. Good to hear from you. We can easily outgrow our work. Nothing wrong with that. Any chance you can work over the old ones, or use them as experimental surfaces? Think on it. I'm sure you will find a way to pass them on or give them a new life. No need to start or finish, but a dabble a day just might bring you spark back.
Funny you should mention remaking. Yesterday I had about a half of a day free. I had an idea of something I wanted to make for myself for personal use, a sort of sketch/paint/collage/writing journal for over the winter to document nature around my home. I pulled from three different projects along with some left overs from my last couple of projects and was able to make exactly what had been in my head. I am feeling excited to start reimagining or freeing myself from what’s not interesting to me currently.
This is a wonderful post! I don't have a lot of unfinished work nor do I feel guilty about not finishing projects, yet I still appreciate your feelings/opinions about not finishing. And I do love the transformative process of recycling!
I love the theme of unfinished work. In a way aren’t we all as human beings, unfinished? But I’m also very intrigued by why one chooses not to finish something. Recently started a few paintings that I actually don’t feel able to finish. I don’t feel that my skills really meet my idea. So those paintings are on pause. I often paint over paintings and sometimes that’s a very freeing experience, but there have been times when I wish that I had let the painting underneath stay. It’s like I’m moody and when I shift, I no longer relate to the other images. It’s a fascinating area to think about.
It is interesting. And I do know that our work needs to simmer sometimes. It's nice to circle back and even better to have the courage to paint over or re-do. I always remind myself that this isn't my only chance to make this. We make what we need when we need it, right?
This is one of the best articles I've read! Very freeing! I do not have many unfinished objects lying around, but those that are do weigh on my mind. Thank you for sharing this perspective today! Just what I needed to hear!
A thought-provoking read. . . thank you! Are you familiar with Loose Ends, a group of knitters and crocheters who finish projects left behind by deceased loved ones? They provide comfort to those who seek their service.
I am familiar with them. It's such a wonderful concept. I'm glad you like the post.
My current fav substack. Thanks Lesley. I dont seem to have a problem w not finishing. Loose zero sleep over them. Sometimes u just need more inspiration. Sometimes u revisit them and they are far better than u thought. Yes I need a clear out but think i will think about that a while too. 😘
Oh, Maggie. Thank you so much. I'm about to start a major organization of the studio. It will be interesting to see how many or what I have. I know I'll be inspired to finish or incorporate it into something else as I've done in the past with so many.
Ah Lesley...when one does many different media..(painting, sewing, writing, doll making, and the list goes on)...one has many "unfinished" pieces...some the muse returns...most not. In the past few years I have closed my eyes when putting the work in a bag to go to the good will...
there are works that must be done though...but maybe revised in a way...shortened(the novel that was never completed may become a novella), the photo album may be simplified...
Great post as usual...much food for thought and helping us all not to feel as guilty for not finishing it all...Thank you Lesley for being there! <3
I can relate since I tend to do it all as well. Seeing what I find when I begin the studio(s) organization this weekend will be interesting. I feel no guilt, though, because it's all a learning process and part of the process. Hopefully, I can combine some of them into an entirely new and wonderful piece.
This is so valuable Lesley. Thank you!
Thanks, CeCe. Glad to be of help!
Oh my goodness, this is so perfect! Yesterday I was standing in the middle of my studio after a very long absence. I felt that familiar itch to make something. I let out a huge sigh as I perused no less than a dozen or so unfinished handmade art books and journals. I thumbed through each one and not one shred of a spark lit my creative fire. I kept telling myself I should finish one of those and not start another. I did indeed start another, it’s not my usual style or detailed process, it’s actually pretty simple. As I worked an idea evolved and it formed itself into a recipe/journal that I know a friend who collects family stories and recipes will love. This one I will finish because there is creative passion behind it. Thank you so much for the reminder that it is indeed ok to not finish every project!
Hi Sandy. Good to hear from you. We can easily outgrow our work. Nothing wrong with that. Any chance you can work over the old ones, or use them as experimental surfaces? Think on it. I'm sure you will find a way to pass them on or give them a new life. No need to start or finish, but a dabble a day just might bring you spark back.
Funny you should mention remaking. Yesterday I had about a half of a day free. I had an idea of something I wanted to make for myself for personal use, a sort of sketch/paint/collage/writing journal for over the winter to document nature around my home. I pulled from three different projects along with some left overs from my last couple of projects and was able to make exactly what had been in my head. I am feeling excited to start reimagining or freeing myself from what’s not interesting to me currently.
This is a wonderful post! I don't have a lot of unfinished work nor do I feel guilty about not finishing projects, yet I still appreciate your feelings/opinions about not finishing. And I do love the transformative process of recycling!
Thanks, Linda. Sounds like you've got it all sorted out. Good for you. I hope there's some recycling or art fun ahead of you.
Isn’t weird that you wake up to read a email that hits the nail on the head, or the needle in the fabric…
I am in process of cutting up, cutting out ,- repurpose repurpose. I thought of it as such a negative- now I’m felling a bit better. Thank you!
So wonderful that my timing was right for you, Naomi. I'm about to dive into my mess, and the timing is definitely right for me/
I love the theme of unfinished work. In a way aren’t we all as human beings, unfinished? But I’m also very intrigued by why one chooses not to finish something. Recently started a few paintings that I actually don’t feel able to finish. I don’t feel that my skills really meet my idea. So those paintings are on pause. I often paint over paintings and sometimes that’s a very freeing experience, but there have been times when I wish that I had let the painting underneath stay. It’s like I’m moody and when I shift, I no longer relate to the other images. It’s a fascinating area to think about.
It is interesting. And I do know that our work needs to simmer sometimes. It's nice to circle back and even better to have the courage to paint over or re-do. I always remind myself that this isn't my only chance to make this. We make what we need when we need it, right?
This is one of the best articles I've read! Very freeing! I do not have many unfinished objects lying around, but those that are do weigh on my mind. Thank you for sharing this perspective today! Just what I needed to hear!
Mary Ellen, thank you! Feedback is always appreciated, especially when it's good.