Being Flexible
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should...
I have been putting together a slide presentation for my upcoming gig at Quilt Surface Design Symposium. It should be 'introductory' and short. It should include highlights of my work and it wouldn't hurt if it were amusing.
But as I gather up images, I notice how inconsistent my output has been. It is a good indication that I have been tap dancing to many a varied tune over the years.
I have made stuff that was meant to enter competitions. Crossing the T's and dotting the i's for the sake of winning stuff.
Spending weeks (!) on a single quilt...
And making ridiculous things that I end up loathing, just for the need to make something LARGER for a show.
When I come across things that I really love, it is a surprise. Why haven't I just stuck with doing these?
Or these little ones? Just because I can do the fancy stuff, doesn't mean I must. I would just rather not anymore.
I am going to the studio today, and have me some fun making little quilts that I love to make.
It's kinda like boyfriends. You have to date a few wrong ones and learn what you DON'T want in order to really appreciate Mr. Right when he walks in the door. Enjoy your studio time. I love your little stacked quilts :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great time! Wish I was there to play and cross pollinate.
ReplyDeleteWell, it might have taken you weeks to do but I think that second quilt is beeyooteeful! However, I think your stacked quilts make you happy and are more you. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThey are all part of the journey!
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't get where you are today with the stacked quilts without the previous work, your paintings, your dyeing business, your teaching both near and far, and all those other parts of your life that make you you. KS
AH! Kitty Yoga!
ReplyDeleteHad to leave a comment when I saw Popeye in our cats' favorite position.
If only I were that flexible...
Denise
It's all part of our "artistic progress", I think.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been following your small works, Mrs Mel, and you've probably been asked this a squillion times already -how are they mounted? The photos make them look like they have a stand at the back or something.
Indeed, we all have our artistic journeys. Some parts are better than others. You might not have had the independence to do fun things today if you hadn't gone through all the previous steps to "get yourself out there" in the public eye. You've earned the right to play!
ReplyDeleteThey are all fantastic, Melody, regardless of WHY you made them. The why part doesn't really matter does it? I hope you don't start beating yourself up for making stunning competitive quilts on purpose. They are all your work and very successful at that.
ReplyDeleteYou make all of these pieces because you have artistic freedom and we do learn from making mistakes. I have found that cutting up big quilts can produce some lovely small works. Of course I have much more experience doing not so great work than you do!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love you work the use of colors is great
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