I woke up this morning to an absolutely frightening sight - fitting given what day this is - its my latest work mounted on my machine, only half way finished. It's scary because for the life of me I can't explain where this one came from or what it means for my work to have taken such a divergence like this.
While it can be said I did start with triangles in mind, and I inserted a couple of long strung-out triangle-like shapes, when I got to quilting the thing, suddenly it was circles that were on my mind. I love how these circles glide and twirl around, like little dervishes spinning across the fabric. Making them was like walking a labyrinth, only much quicker and less precise.
To be honest, I'm a little freaked out. Does this mean I'm done with my elements series? Is my work getting more wild and impulsive? Does this reflect a lack of discipline, this gliding all over the surface that I've done here? I'm not even sure I like this. I'm not even sure I know how to turn it into something I like.
I know why I did this... my life lacks a certain sense of freedom lately. I think maybe you can relate? Life is droning on... the flutter of excitement over a new school year, new after school activities, and a new season have all passed, now we are in the trenches of driving to and from activities, helping with homework, cooking meals, and walking the dog. Good grief, I should have better things to complain about!
Do you want a little cheese with that whine, Robin?
Alright, I'll quit. I'll finish this quilt as best as I can and perhaps I'll take the next week off. There is that new bag I purchased fabric for and have been wanting to make for some time now, and I simply can't ignore the fifty pounds of tomatoes my neighbor dropped off the other day. I'll drop the caged-canary song and focus instead on things I'm grateful for... this usually helps. I'll forget about losing my mojo for now and trust it will come back... it always does. If it doesn't I'd have some explaining to do, "Ah honey, you know that big studio we built and all the machines and fabric in it? Well, turns out I've changed my mind and I don't need them anymore."
Yeah, right.
3 comments:
Wow, that really IS a left turn!
However, art is about the journey (I think), and sometimes the journey includes a peek down a weird little alley. Maybe it's a new path, maybe it's just a little diversion, but it's all good. (I say that with wavering confidence in my voice, as my house collages, army inspired work, and pattern design look like three completely different people made them.)
This may be a turn but I like it. I like the freedom and flow.
That is my 2 cents for what it is worth. Have a nice weekend....
I vote for go with it, too! Something inside you is expressing itself, so give it free rein. I believe it will never steer you wrong -- even though it might feel odd or uncomfortable at first! I LOVE this work of yours!
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