Monday, February 19, 2007

Taking a day off
=
I just counted the number of quilts I have made so far this year...31.
No wonder my arm is sore.
Only one of these is unfinished, as it should be, since it is a class sample.
The year began with the internal realization that I needn't make a single new work this year, since I had plenty of quilts already and could 'get by' with past work and samples, resting on my laurels as it were.
Letting myself off the hook like that actually allowed me to play in such a way that I feel revolutionized artistically.
And I have let go of allowing others to dictate what my art should be.
This is big.
Why in the world did it take me so long to do this? One reason is that I wanted to be a success, and felt I needed to play by the rules. I worked hard to do the right things to accomplish those goals, to win prizes, to teach, to sell, to make a living.
Now I am looking closely at retiring and working away from home less and less, and finally feel that I am making the kind of art I really want to make.
So the transition will be to find a way to make and show the art, keeping it under my control and keeping it all enjoyable, stress free and really mine.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:09 AM

    Oh, Mel, you have worked so hard to "play by the rules" and now you are in that most enviable place...doing what pleases you. All I can say is...peace and joy comes to those who work hard. Now you're working for yourself. Peace.

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  2. Anonymous11:46 AM

    You go gurl! Do it your way! They quilts are fabulous!! Your enjoying the process is infectious and empowering to the rest of us!! Thank you.

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  3. Anonymous12:07 PM

    You deserve every minute of your day off Ms Mel. Thanks for taking your readers on this wonderful discovery ride with you. Enjoy your day.

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  4. I am really, really enjoying this series incorporating the muddy colours along with the brights. Just fabulous.

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  5. You may be taking a day off and even thinking of retiring but the influence and inspiration you have given many others will continue well into the future

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  6. Ah, clarity. What a gift from God it is!

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  7. Anonymous9:54 AM

    Love me first then my art which is only a part of me Not Love my art and I don't matter. Wrong. Now you are getting it right, it is about YOU.

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  8. Anonymous1:41 PM

    I know this hasn't been your purpose, but you have been an inspiration to me this year. I tried to figure out if there was anything I could do every day (beyond getting out of bed), and I found it. Inspired partly by the Judi Dench character in "Notes on a Scandal" (oddly enough), I have been writing in a journal daily. And I think of you every day when I do it!

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  9. 31.... it makes me exhausted just thinking about it! Well done...

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