Peer support and inspiration

We all reach the point when we need the involvement of others who think as we do.  In my area there are only a small number of fibre artists, and those represent a variety of interests.  We DO get together about once a month, but only for a couple of hours.  As we often meet in each others' homes it becomes more of an idea exchange and "show'n'tell" session, as it is in the evening and lighting can be a problem..  Once in awhile we get together during the day and take the time to explore techniques, or enjoy each others company over hand work.  But all of these get toethers are more social and gently supportive sessions.  Sometimes you need more.

Last weekend I attended the annual retreat of the Fibre Art Network ( http://www.fibreartnetwork.com/ ).  (FAN) This is a group of professional and semi-professional artists working in fibre.  These retreats are not stitching marathons but rather more business-like.  A friend related them to professional scientific conferences where there are meetings, such as organizational committee meetings, the Annual General meeting, and the presentation of professional papers, as well as time for social interaction.  As well as all the associated meetings, we often have workshops on either technical  matters or professional issues such as time management, and other organizational aspects of fibre work. Most importantly, our professional papers involve reports on our work over the past year.

It is the personal experiences and resulting work that is the most valuable part of the retreat for me.  I saw some stunning art, and being able to hear, directly from the artist,  how the piece came to be and why, was a crititcal part of the process.  I also heard how some of the members work together collaboratively, even to the point of organizing small shows in their home communities.

This conference is what keeps me going.  I come home inspired, refreshed, and full of creative ideas.