Art and Fear...the book that has been recommended again and again...some AQ bloggers where reading it together a while back. Well, I picked it up yesterday while hanging out at B&N until it was time to take Mo to work. While reading it I can hear a very good sistah friend, Estella, say "its all process, one word at a time, one page at a time". She was referring to writing but when it comes to getting anything done, its all the same...it is all about process. I'm trying to absorb this book so I'm reading and re-reading and when I'm ready to comment, will do so at My Eyes Have Seen the Coming of the Word, my book blog.
Seamless Skin has lacked activity because my process just ain't and hasn't been working for me but I didn't want to bitch, moan, and complain unless I thought it would make me feel better and it wouldn't. Not really. I'm still piddling around...playing around with applique, test driving light weight sewing machines (the Janome Platinum Gem has my vote should I ever invest in a carry around machine), beading on fabric just for the heck of it, taking bubble baths, watching a lot of FSTV, DIY, HGTV Food Network, Public TV---it goes like this, I watch Democracy Now, BBC News, Charlie Rose and other liberal-minded documentaries and then not to stay so pissed off I turn it over to DIY, HGTV, and Food Network and delight Weekend Warriors, Design on a Dime, B. Original, Paula Deen, etc. Just call me an arm chair philosopher who can remodel a bathroom in 48 hours and then rush into the kitchen to prepare a seven course meal!!!! Its so obvious that the home/craft/cooking shows are geared toward selling; and pretty effectively I might add because I am desparately feeling the urge to buy a full cache of power tools!!!!
Part of my piddling resulted in discovering that Hobby Lobby carries Robert Kaufman Kona PFD! And with a 40% off coupon I paid 2.43 a yard. Unfortunately, the 2 stores here didn't have much on the bolts but I managed to get a little over 20 yards between them. I'm gonna piddle again tomorrow by looking at studio space at The Hop Scotch House...its a retreat space for Kentucky Women Artists that is about 10 minutes from where we live. I don't vibe with the space as much as I do at the Mount but I've never seen the visual art studio which is fairly new I think.
I think I need a cup of tea. Gonna sip from my new cup gifted to me by a friend...I'll have to share a photo of it very soon...it makes me sooo happy!
My retreat week reminded me of what I already knew. TV, especially daytime TV, is a vampire for one's time and energy.
ReplyDeleteTake a one or two day fast by switching strictly over to music and be near your tools with intent. I found Radioparadise.com to be particularly good because I didn't have to choose the music and the choices were eclectic and energizing. Been needing to read that book myself. Thanks for the reminder.
I know what you mean about piddling. I have several small pieces I need to get done, as well as a number of other things but I just can't seem to get motivated.
ReplyDeleteWe could be kind and say we are in fallow time. But, in reality, I think some of us are piddling. Myself, I'm wondering if I'm really mentally preparing to make a major change in what I do. I find myself saying that I do "surface design" not quilting...
ReplyDeleteWTF does that mean?? Should I be doing unique clothing and home dec??
I could be aprofessional piddler. It is a constant struggle. The thing is when I get in the studio and go to work, it is so much more rewarding. And I know tat you know that. HOpe you find sudio space.
ReplyDeleteTo me it's all part of the same story. Sometimes the garden is fallow, sometimes it's in a state of chaotic flux and sometimes it's a symphony sweet enough to be its own reward.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I LOVE me some HGTV, LOL!!! It can become very easy to get distracted. You all are going to be waiting for "Stardeath" for quite a while at this rate, LOL!
ReplyDeleteOh golly, I can relate to this.... I've been doing nothing but piddling around for the last 6 months... the computer is my downfall...
ReplyDeleteI've got that book on my shelves too. Must read it.
Hi, K. I have named you as one of my "Thinking Bloggers" in my latest post. It's one of those things going around. I love your honesty and insight and style.
ReplyDeleteSince the local PBS dropped all of the quilting & sewing shows I've stopped watching it. Now I watch H&Gtv most of the time if I have the TV on. I don't like to watch the Food network, it just makes me hungry!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're in a bit of a funk. I read Art & Fear, but didn't relate to it very much, because fear was never a problem for me. I look upon & approach the Art as am experiment. I try to let it flow, & not think real hard. Thinking just gets in the way. I do a lot of "I wonder if I did this..."&
Maybe you should do some postquards or ATCs to get your wheels greased a little. Small stuff that can be done in a short time. It helps to feel like you've accomplished something.
I've been going through the same thing for almost a year. It's hard. Very hard, and I feel so awful about it. I'm trying to do more, but I'm also trying to be more forgiving of myself, realizing that I am going through an artistic change and need time to mentally wrap myself around it. It's like trying to move through a void. Good luck and be kind to yourself!
ReplyDelete