My oldest daughter left this weekend for college. The other two kids start school after Labor Day. As we have spent time shopping for school supplies, I became increasingly and foolishly jealous of my kids purchases. New pens, new pencils, new crayons and a new year at school. But then, I realized it wasn't necessarily the new loot but the fresh start I was jealous of . They begin a new year as if the previous year wasn't there and they get to start all over again. Learn new things, try new things and do the work.
I am a wannabee art quilter right now- so why couldn't I do the same thing? A fresh start but not just jumping from one thing to another. I am doing the learning new things and the trying new things but I have no specific plan or purpose. So to give myself some goals for the rest of the year, I need a little more structure.
1. I am going to work in a series for 6 pieces at least 3x3. I will work in a simple motif or block that I started working on in Vermont. Series sounds- scary -but more serious. I think I need to learn to manipulate this little block until I have it how I want it. It's just a little "L" so how scary can that be? Why that size? It's just big enough I can feel I am working on my machine quilting. Not big enough to be overwhelmed.
2. Then I am also going to work smaller. 8x10 is the next size I have chosen. After being introduced to the work of
Jeanne Williamson by
Paula, I have been really inspired.
I picked Jeanne's book,
The Uncommon Quilter in the library after Paula mentioned her name and I was amazed after reading it. She made a quilt a week this size for seven years-365 to be exact. A perseverant and talented artist. I am going to try to work through some of the techniques she has outlined in this great book. The only thing I bought for it is a new box of crayons. The rest will be found objects or things I already have. I am very excited to do this.
So there is my fresh start and new box of crayons for the new school year! Just like that I have returned to school.
Happy Summer, my friends-for a few more weeks!
Good for you Colleen! I am doing somewhat the same: coming up with a body of work, starting in a series, writing what my thoughts are so I can explain what I am doing. It is all much harder than before, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when my boyfriend and I moved into our new apartment and he filled whole bookcases with new law school books and gadgets he bought. Then I remembered that he actually has to read those!
ReplyDeleteGail-yes harder than before but nice to think in some logical order.
ReplyDeleteKim-:) yes there is the work aspect of it.