But first a Weston story. He came out to visit yesterday for a few hours. The electricity was off the whole time he was here and he wanted to watch "Ratatouille". He is 2 and a half. I explained that the electricity was off and we couldn't turn on the TV. We did wall switches and no lights. He pushed the "on" button and nothing happened. So he went about his business. Then he came back and tried a different movie, "The Incredibles". Again we went through the idea of no electricity - so he looked at me puzzled and said, "How about 'Thomas the Train' then?". I love watching his thinking. I guess he thought if he could just choose the right movie, it would work. That is kind of what my blog is about today - getting the "right stuff" together in the right time and place.
I wonder why I am hesitant to be a full-time fiber/quilting artist. What is it that keeps me from diving in? The opportunity to teach in Laramie this past year was a great way out. But I want to be dedicated totally to my art. I have always been able to draw, to paint, to teach art, to create - it is a gift. What I have not always had is the gift of self-confidence to dive in fully. I have always hung onto the edge - to something I knew I could do successfully.
This morning - here is this quote:
The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. Arthur C. Clarke
Arthur Clarke knows all about me. So, I can't be safe anymore and hang onto the edge.
Some "thump" on Thursdays and some give "thanks". Today I want to challenge you to share what inspires you. Each day, I get new inspiration from multiple sources.
Here are my five for today:
1. The quote above.2. An interview with Tina Givens in the May/June issue of Quilters Home.
3. My son, Roy, in Portland sold his first painting.
4. Robins unphased by the wet, spring snow.
5. The freedom of my life.
So what inspired you today?
Your know Carol, from the work I have seen of yours, you are already a success. I feel, women in general, have a problem with self-confidence, I know I do. It's our nature to second guess everything we do. You could just start part time, set goals for yourself, and see where the art takes you. For myself, I'm toying with the idea of changing directions with my quilting, appraising and judging I think is where I would like to go, gives me a new goal to strive for.
ReplyDeleteKaren L
Thank you, Karen. I think it is also about letting go of that which has provided for me for the past 35 years. I know in my head I can let go, but it is sure hard to do. I know I don't want another "job" in my education area.
ReplyDeleteI am also working on quilt appraisal and hope to be certified in the next two years. I would love to talk to you more about this.
It's quite unexpected to hear of your lack of confidence. Your quilting is inspirational and I continually hope for new items for "eye candy". Your quilting can be placed along side Ronda and Patricia Pressler any day.
ReplyDeleteSince you are home now, I look forward to seeing more of your work.
That Weston is just the cutest!
Judy in MO
Thank you, Judy. I think the lack of self-confidence to do what I envision is something that keeps me trying new things and is probably just part of my makeup. A great artist, Chuck Close, when acked, told how he just goes to work everyday and some days he does magnificent work and some days he doesn't - he can't wait for inspiration. That is my goal - just be able to go to work every day. Thanks so much for visiting and leaving your comments.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteFirst, know that I admire you and your work. You inspire me.
But what is it that you are afraid of? Failure? (that's what it is for most of us I think) So here is how I get around that...
What is the worst that can happen? I make mistakes and ruin a piece of fabric, or the supplies (paint, dye, embellishments, whatever) and use up some of my time. So? It is just fabric and supplies. And in the process of making the "worst" I bet I learned a thing or 3 along the way. So the worst is no longer the worst.
None of us like to fail. But unless you learn along the way, and experiment and make mistakes that you change into artistic opportunities, you won't know the answers to "what if I tried this?"
Good luck. I know that even your failures will be successful.
Gayle
Gayle - your work inspires me personally in my life and in my work! I do think it is a fear of failure, a fear of not doing what is "expected". Although I have sewn clothes and decorator items since I was abut 8, I had no interest in quilting until 2004 when I made my granddaughter a quilt. It has been a lot to learn, but a wonderful journey and I am blessed to have the experiences - good and bad!
ReplyDelete