Finding a direction

In a couple of previous posts I've described my agonizing over what is a partial "artist's block', and what is a lack of clear direction in my work.  I also came to the realization that the exploration of various techniques had become as much a part of my "comfort zone", as was my background in traditional quilting.  I also started to wonder if my insistence on developing, and demonstrating, a high technical skill level wasn't a much of a barrier to creating "art" as anything else.  Even when teaching, too high an expectation of skill can be intimidating and serve as a barrier with students.  I still believe that technical skill can only help in conveying a message as  much as basic intent.  So my developing strategy is to give myself a "break".  For the next little while I plan to concentrate on creating something--anything--and to forgive and accept technical flaws.

I accept that some of the techniques I've picked up over the years have a place, but that place is not front and center.  I accept that my background in traditional quilting and hand stitchery is what formed my interest and love of fibre, and should be acknowledged.  
The next project is created in an effort to force myself down this path.  I dyed cotton Damask because I like the look of it dyed, although I have never felt it was "elegant" enough to be in my work.  I used a fairly pastel dye.  I have been resistant to moving in that direction as I'm much more comfortable with stronger colours.  I tore strips and wove them ( OMG! Raw edges!) as I've seen this and liked the effect.  Not an original idea, I know.  My plan involves some hand work--nothing too elaborate, just running stitch.  Because I'm not sure how my arthritic hands will react, I've chosen a small size, but one for which there is a small show coming up in the near future.  The piece also presents a technical challenge in terms of how to construct and finish it, and this will hold my interest--an important part of anything creative.  It's about 1/2 done, and I hope to have pictures in a couple of days.