PORCH CHATTER: JUST MUSING TODAY

An artist is someone who creates!  Artists take leaps of faith all the time.  I am an artist!!  I choose to try new things in my fiber art studio all the time.  I am amazed at the degree of confidence this has given me that carries over into my daily living.  I am aware of being a risk taker; a pioneer; an innovator; my own person.

I follow my intuition and I answer to my soul more often than I shy away.  It has brought a level of independence and freedom to my life.  I embrace those activities that bring me joy regardless of whether my friends do or not.  I am not a loner; but I don't skip things because no one else wants to do them with me.

I am willing to be a leader, a pioneer, if you will, if I think it will bring true authenticity, joy and meaning to my life.  Psychologist Susan Jeffers suggests we "take a risk a day -- one small or bold stroke that makes you feel great once you have done it." 
 
Often I choose paths I have not followed before and relish in the new found beauty.  Maybe it is tangible -- like in a garden -- or maybe intangible -- as in a new thought or idea I chase down and grab.

Just as I have Works-In-Progress in my studio; my entire life is a work-in-progress.  I can enjoy it as it is or I can choose to do something "improv" with it and change or tweak it until it is bringing me the greatest joy and contentment possible.

 

 

Art is never stagnant and neither is my life.  The greatest art I can experience is creating an authentic life for my family and myself.




Yes, there is always room for dreaming the "big" things in life!

                                                   -sandi

IT'S PLAYTIME

I have huge baskets, boxes and bags of scraps.  Some have been sorted into color families; some by style; and some by type of fabric.

I picked up the bag of batiks and started Playtime the other day.  I just wanted to "make something".  I don't have a plan in mind other than to be creative and go at it in an Improv style.

So what happens next??

Put several of these together.

Hmmm, well, I don't know.  Let's just put all of them on the design wall and see what it says.

I think it says, "Need more blocks or some strips".

Okay, will take it from here.  Stay tuned!

                                               -sandi

CREATIVITY

I admire Maya Angelou for many reasons.  Among those reasons is that she can say so much with so few words.

I am trying to internalize her quote above.  Often I find myself saying I don't think I am creative or artistic.  Instead I pride myself on good skills and workmanship.  I consider myself to be a strong teacher/mentor for others wanting to learn the art of quiltmaking.

At this place in my journey I am attempting to step out of my comfort zone and to try some "free wheeling".  It is simply not my nature to let something "just happen".  I would like to find the "creative muse" that lives inside me.  I want a personal relationship with her.

I have been reading a few new books and attempting to learn something about being more creative.  This is my way of getting out of my rut.

Art Quilt Workbook

This is the book that my art quilt guild will be using for its guide this year.  I found a quote that spoke to me  "You must find your personal inspiration and learn how to tap into it.  The most useful skill you can develop as an artist is observation.  Slow down and really look at the world around you.  Look again -- see the relationships between objects, colors, and shapes.  Learning to see is really important." 

I know that I "observe" in generalities and not in particulars.  This will be my challenge.  Observing with no other purpose than observing is difficult for me.  Looking without trying to come up with the method of producing a quilt requires me to stop myself and let the art "talk".

Art + Quilt

This author says  "I firmly believe that  everyone is creative in some way, and that if you have the desire and the willingness to learn, you can become an artist.  There are technical skills in the world of visual art that can be learned, just as we learn to read or do math."

I have the desire and I believe I am willing. 

Fearless Design for Every Quilter

The title of this book is a little daunting, but look at that cover picture.  Does that grab my color senses or what?

The quote from this book that I am latching onto is  "Many people believe that creativity is a magical power limited to those who have a special talent.  Scientific evidence shows us that this is a myth.  Being creative is not a mysterious process understood by only a few.  Rather, it is a process in which anyone can engage and produce new ideas.  The secret is work, trial and error, and learning from mistakes."

I don't do a very good job of sketching and I have not been successful at keeping a sketchbook or a journal.  I am committing to truly trying to practice this technique of creativity.

I am looking forward to the next year of my quilting journey.  I want to practice some trial and error; some pausing and letting my mind rest and relax as I observe my surroundings; and then translating my findings to some form of art quilt.

Come along with me, won't you?


                                           -sandi