Something New is Brewing

Gosh, I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted.  I've been busy gardening (phase 1 of the reclamation and landscaping project is complete) and participating in end-of-school-year activities.  I can't believe my oldest is graduating from high school.  How is it possible I've aged enough to have an 18 year old?

At any rate, I've also found a bit of time in my studio.  I'm working on a new piece for my chair series that includes some new techniques for me.  This piece, if it comes out as I hope, will be filled with all sorts of texture.  Here are two in-process sneak peeks:

A painted surface -- I just love doing this!

A surface covered with paper, cheesecloth, and coffee filters.  This one is out of my comfort zone, but I'm pleased with where it's going.

Are you working on anything new?

Trying to Concentrate

I have the time to create, but focus has not come along to play.  I'm having a tough time getting things done in the studio, and not for lack of ideas.  Plenty of thoughts are swirling in my brain but I'm having a hard time getting them out onto fabric.

So, I'm doodling -- at  least, I guess you could call it that.  I did Lab 18 from Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists, one line designs.  I don't sketch bicycles too well from memory, as you can plainly see.  I like two of my horse line drawings; the faces are a little funky, but they still look like faces.

Light bulbs stumped me; who would have thought?   The trees are "eh" -- I couldn't figure out how to vary the theme.

I also sketched Bella,  a very willing model so long as she could sleep.  I'm pleased with this one, though I'll confess that this image is my second attempt.

I hope all this means I'll be razor sharp in the studio tomorrow.....

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Spent, but still beautiful to me....

A New Chair Piece

My chair series continues ....

Productivity

Of late, I haven't been as productive in my studio as I'd like.  These last few days have found me weeding, hoeing, and mulching my gardens.  My children's activities continue to be the focus of my afternoons and evenings.

With all this going on, my textile art is on pause.

I'd like to fit time in my studio into my daily life.  Many folks say it's possible if you make it a priority.  Well, I guess I fall short there.  My family will always come first. I know that's true for everyone, but I probably take it farther than some.  For example, I'll sit with my youngest daughter while she's home from school (as she was for two days this week) though she didn't really need my help.  I do it because I know I have a limited amount of time to be with her; in five years she'll be out the door in college.   Besides, I like hanging out with my kids.  They're at an age where they're FUN!

So I've also been giving thought to when I'm most productive, as per a suggestion from Lisa Call.  Quite frankly, I'm most productive after 10PM.  That's when the phone stops ringing and no one needs to be picked up or driven anywhere.  I find a peace and quiet then that's quite meditative.  I feel like I'm stealing time and I somehow, pick up the pace. But alas, I'm also someone who needs lots of sleep so I can't consistently work late at night since I don't have control over when I can get up in the morning.

So what does that mean?

I think it means I'm going to have to stop feeling guilty disappointed and adjust my expectations. I'm going to try not to compare myself to other artists' output and be more comfortable with what I CAN do.  I'm going to try to re-align my perception of myself and realize I do make art every day because I'm always taking pictures.  It may not be textile art, but I'm thinking about line, shape, color with every click of the shutter.  That can only help me in the long run.  I'm going to take intense pleasure from every moment I can be in the studio, instead of lamenting when I can't.  And, I will try to get to the studio a bit more; should be possible now that the gardens are done --- and if I get off the computer!

Twenty-Two Years Ago Today....

people drank,

sang,

and made merry

at the wedding of two young kids from the Midwest.  Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!  Oh, and happy Cinco de Mayo to all of you today, too.

Sneak Peek

Our totem installation will be on display at the Northern Star Quilt Guild Show this weekend at the John F. Kennedy High School in Somers, New York.  The show will be open from 10 AM - 5PM on Saturday and 10AM - 4 PM on Sunday.  Come see fabulous quilts and wander through our special exhibition.

Here's a sneak peek detail from my totem called, "A Show of Hands" which is, actually, about more than just hands.  Each of our totems is 18" x 8' (yes, feet) long and double-sided.  I don't have a full length picture of my piece because it sags on the floor here at home, but I hope someone will take a nice picture of it at the show.  Hope to see you there!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Gotta love a butterfly that lets you get this close!