A wonderful afternoon

Today I attended a critique session sponsored by the Manitoba Crafts Council.  The current exhibition in their gallery is a members' show, without a jury process, but with a size restriction--max 12" by 12".  Anyone with a piece in the exhibition could apply for one of the places in the critique process, which was lead by a professor from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Fine Art.  Several years ago I attended one of these sessions as an observer, last year as a participant, and this year as a participant.  While they are open to the public, and the gallery was open during the event, there was really no public participation.

Unfortunately, this year there were only 4 artists who had applied for a position.  But this meant that each of us had a full half hour of discussion around their piece.  There was a potter, a needle and wet felter/fused glass artist, a mixed media artist, and myself with a fibre piece.  We each started by introducing our self, and then explaining the motivation, intent, and techniques of the piece.  Questions from any one were encouraged, and answered.  But often discussion went to how we educate ourselves as artists, how we find inspiration, each of our individual artistic journeys, and where we see our work heading.  

Finding out the depth of thought that went into each piece, was an unforgettable experience.  Realizing the commonalities in each of our journeys promoted a real bond between us. If ever I am offered a chance like this again it will be taken, without question.

I may link this with Lisa, Marie Sayre's Off the Wall Friday, and The Needle and Thread Network.

Not to my taste

At the meeting of the local quilt guild this month, they featured a well-known fabric designer, of whom I was not aware.  The entire meeting was a very well organized tribute to this designer, and even featured a communication from the designer, thanking us for the celebration.  We even found out that there was a t least one special interest group within our guild that is dedicated to her work. While I'm thankful for learning more about this person's work, I was surprised to find that none of what I saw appealed to me in the least, and there was a tremendous amount of her fabric featured.  Actually I thought most of it was "gawd awful".  What a relief to know that there is no reason to explore further, just to be "one of the gang"  LOL

Attempting to grow as an artist

Over the past few months, I've been attempting to get out of the rut my art had fallen into.  In December, I bought a one month subscription to Design Matters TV and watched every video they had, especially those providing information on sketchbooks.   Sketchbooks is a topic I have casually explored over the past few years--how and why artists use sketch books.   Over the years, I confess that I got lost in the development of art journals, and spent many hours actually asking myself why anyone would make an art journal and how it would benefit them as artists. But, I took workshops on sketching, so that I could, at least, know how to sketch once I figured out the "why".  I read articles and books on exactly how to make an art journal, looking for the right way- exactly how are sketch books and art journals supposed to be done.  Somehow I could never figure it out.

Meanwhile, I have gradually, over the years built up quite a collection of empty books into which I have collected photos and notes on how I might use them, drafts of some designs that I might use, fabric samples of various techniques that I have been thinking about using in specific designs,etc.  Nothing with any meaningful sketches though. 

Of course, there are many small, empty books with sketches attempted on the first few pages and then abandoned.

Over the past week I have been casually looking through the small personal library I have of fibre art related books.  I came across an older book I have bought years ago--"Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists" by Kay Greenlees.  When bought, probably in the early 2000's, it had been forgotten as it didn't have a recipe for making a useful sketchbook.  But having now done a lot more investigation into the topic, I read it with new eyes.

It says from the start that each artist has to find their own method of documenting their own specific journey, in whatever what way serves them best. Then it discusses, documents, and gives examples of techniques that other artists have found useful.  OMG!  I get it! Each artist-their own method-in whatever way works!  Just as I have been doing all along.  The actual ability to create a beautiful, artistic looking sketch has nothing to do with it.  Go your own way--but do it!

I plan to link this with Nina-Marie Sayre's Off the Wall Fridays.

So what am I actually working on?

I spoke of a piece of sun printing I had resurrected.  Here are a couple of photos.

Here is the original sun print, done 3-4 years ago.  While I've finished a few sun prints over the years, they just don't sell in art shows.  I figured that it would be  waste of my time to try to actually use it.  

Then I turned it over.  Oh my!  This had possibilities.  So I created some rubber stamps, and created flowers using the very vague imprint that came through of the actual print.  I plan to FMQ this probably using a Sashiko-type design, on the diagonal.  The colour, of the flower petals didn't work out quite as I had hoped, so I then augmented it with fine tipped felt marker.  Then I will somewhat densely bead the flower centers.  At this point I'm thinking of bright yellow or gold beads, but that may change.

 As you may have guessed, I'm going through my shelves of hand dyed and painted fabric, and trying to use as much of it as I can.  Here are a couple more pieces I'm looking at.  Needless to say, I don't hold out much hope for the blue and orange piece, but I think I may try cutting it up and maybe piecing it, before adding some applique-maybe in very dark grey.

Finding the Muse

As mentioned in my previous couple of posts, my creative juices had stopped flowing.  The recommendation when this happens is to go into the studio and fondle fabric, or to"just make something". My "make something" was five charity quilts.  Four are quilted, and the other sandwiched ready to quilt.  But--ta da!--as a strategy this worked very well.  

Two ideas are in my mind, fighting to be made.  For one, I have a very clear vision, but haven't yet figured out how to create that vision.  I spent most of today experimenting with a mono-printing technique.  Did not work well.  So back to the drawing board with that one.  Maybe some raw edge applique.

The second one is ready to sandwich, for the basic machine quilting.  I have a clear idea of how to do that and have found suitable thread.  It will involve a lot of hand stitching, mainly beading, and progress will be slow.

But progress has been made.

I remain firm in my resolve to do as I please, and not worry about exhibitions or sales.  Especially not to worry about sales.

As well, in terms of my never-ending navel gazing, I think I've come to terms with my creativity, techniques, and processes for awhile.  Also with an even firmer re-affirmation about not worrying about sales.