Nanette – Page 13 – NanetteSewZ

Tools in my toolbox

Last year I was working on an art quilt that required a lot of intricate cutting (you can see it on my home page – www.nanettesewz.com ). I couldn’t find scissors sharp enough to make the tiny cuts, so it took a long time to remove all the unwanted fabric. Before I could even cut the fabric, I had to draw the design onto paper and then trace it to my cloth. Tedious, to say the least. I was talking (actually kind of whining about it) to the owner at my LQS and he told me about the Cameo Silhouette.

The Silhouette is a plotter similar to what engineers use, but a home version made for crafters. It allows me to send a line drawing from my computer into the plotter. From there the machine can “draw” the lines for me. The lines can be made using a variety of tools from pens, embossers, or cutting blades. I bought the machine for its cutting possibilities.

My first attempts at cutting didn’t go well and I was quite frustrated. I knew I needed a significant amount of time to figure things out, but couldn’t find the time to devote to it. Over a year after buying the machine, I found time this week. Following a couple of hours of fiddling with the computer software, my fabric and cutting blades, I finally figured out my major issues: 1) use the correct fusible stabilizer and 2) use a sharp cutting blade!!! Magic!

Just to prove the point that it would work for me, I’m remaking the quilt that got me started on this mission. In the photos you’ll see the tiny little cuts that were made by my Silhouette as it outlined the lines of my tree branch drawing onto my batik fabric. When the machine was finished tracing the lines using the cutting blade, all I had to do was remove the unwanted pieces of fabric. Amazing! I’m pretty excited about this. Just one more tool in my toolbox.

Great Things

Now that I’ve released myself of a lot of responsibility, there’s silence, a lot of it. I can hear the computer humming.

Starting this week, my focus is on making my art career work. There’s plenty to consider, namely how do you make money? Make art and make money – is this an oxymoron?

I’ve met a lot of artists in my life. Most of us struggle with the financial side of the job. I know a couple who have succees. Many pick up side jobs; barista, sales clerk, etc. For a majority their art is the side job, juggling a full-time job and creating whenever time is available.

The mantra is you have to put in the time. There are a lot of things to consider, but my plan is to put in the time this summer. I guess the reason I volunteer so much is that it’s easier to do tasks which are clear and direct. It’s someone else’s vision, not mine. Sure, I have some clear ideas of what I need to do, but it can be overwhelming to think about specific tasks that need to get done. The ideas are clear but the path isn’t always very direct. I feel like those inflatable dancing advertisements, bending and swaying, moving up and down. It’s mesmerizing, but I need to look away and show up. Once I’m there, I stand still, refocus, then start. The magic will happen.

So, it’s time for me to get to work. I’m looking forward to showing you some great things.

My Next Big Journey

I frequently say I’m on a creative journey. I don’t know where I’ll wind up. I make plans. Frequently I find it doesn’t really matter, because plans change. There are speed bumps along the way which slow me down. I want to move faster, but sometimes I can’t. No matter how fast I run, the treadmill doesn’t seem to move me farther down the road. I try to enjoy the journey while I can. Eventually, I stop, look around and realize I have moved forward. I’ve grown. How did that happen?

Along my journey, I find things that look all shiny and new. I tell myself “I want that, but what is it?” I go investigate. Sometimes I dive in with my entire body and soul. Like a big old belly flop, I become engulfed. I’m invigorated. I found the place I was looking for. Lucky me!

Then, time moves forward. I start noticing I’m on the treadmill again. The shiny new thing begins to look kind of dull and grey. I’m bored. I’m tired. Or worse…I’m ready to jump off at 80 miles an hour.

On this journey, I always want to learn. I beg the universe to give me knowledge. Learning gives me energy. Using my knowledge makes me feel strong.

I’ve noticed that I eventually have to walk away. The grass isn’t as green as I thought it was. I look around and realize I’ve grown again. I can’t learn any more here…or maybe I don’t want to learn anymore. It’s time to find another lake to swim and the next green pasture to explore. Oh looky, what’s over there?…Ready, set, go….it’s time to go on my next big journey.

Exercise

I finally opened the box last week. The big box that contained my new sewing machine. It’s been a bit intimidating having this huge machine in my studio office. I set up the machine and gave it a test drive. I think I’m going to like it.

Things don’t feel right yet. My work space has changed due to this bohemoth living with here. The space I used to use for cutting has shrunk and also is the extension table for Bohemoth. It’s all awkward. Everything feels awkward, by system is out of balance.

I have another table in my room that use to be the cutting table. It became the catch all years ago. With a little effort (I’m almost there), I’ll be able to clean it off and use it again. How does one collect so much stuff? Clippings with ideas/inspiration and patterns for future use. Of course there’s fabric, yarn, paints, brushes, rubber stamps and beads. I really need to thin and re-organize.

I hesitate on culling, because I view most of what I have as part of my toolbox. I just know there’s going to be a day when I need that synthetic stretchy metallic-looking fabric. And, who knows when I will need a metal bee to adorn a quilted flower. Maybe I don’t need 200 hundred little bees, but you never know.

Either way, it’s time to get cleaning and sewing. I have some deadlines ahead and Bohemoth is nagging me give it some exercise.

Wow! I’ve been away for awhile. My last post was to announce the new year and here it is April already. There’s been a lot of emotion in my life the past few months. Laughter, tears, joy and at times anger. I’ve been on a hiatus of sorts, not completely a path of my own journey, but a journey none-the-less. My entire life has been a journey.

Last week, I attended the SAQA (Studio Art Quilts Alliance) Conference in Philadelphia. I needed this trip. That’s why I’m back writing to you. I guess I forgot what I was doing. Life got in the way. I forgot how important it was for me to pursue my art and to share it with you.

Things sometimes happen that way. You need to be around like-minded people to remind you of what’s important and to re-direct you when you’re feeling lost. I returned from the trip with some amazing ideas for my future.

Then today I found a hawk feather while walking the dogs. This was a really unusual find on such a frequently traveled path. I researched the symbolism of such a find and read this:

“When you find feathers upon your path it could be taken to mean that you are on a higher spiritual path (whether you accept it or not), and it may be a sign of encouragement as you philosophically travel on this path.” – (Source: symbolic-meanings.com)

I’m willing to accept this destiny. I think it fits where I am in life. Looking back and moving forward. I’m anticipating some amazing things in my future.

I look forward to sharing my journey with you once again.

Nanette

This New Quilt

Well hello there 2016!

Sometimes it’s unbelievable how time flies. Occasionally, I’m reminded of things that happened in the past and I’m frequently baffled how long ago that event happened. I guess that’s what happens when you get older. Time flies faster.

At the beginning of the year, I try to come up with new goals. Not really resolutions, but just ideas of things I want to accomplish. My biggest goal this year is to create enough artwork for the exhibit I’m in this coming November. I have some pieces, but I need quite a bit more.

The entire concept of creating enough to fill a gallery is a bit intimidating. Its also very inspiring. I have a ton of ideas buzzing in my head. Some things are similar to what I’ve done in the past, but I’m also thinking about some innovative ideas like 3-dimensional construction. This could get interesting.

The last 2 months I was working on a large piece and decided that it would be better left for when I own my new mid-arm machine. The new machine can handle the bulk of a larger quilt better than the machine I currently have. I’ve placed this large quilt on temporary hold and am working on ideas for smaller quilts.

The last few days I’ve been creating outline drawings for my next piece. I’ll use the drawings as templates to render my little feathered friends in fabric. I could just hand draw the images, but I like to create them in Adobe Illustrator. It takes a bit of effort to get them into the program, but I find the end results easier to use. I can take a couple of base images and alter them easily in Illustrator. If the originals don’t work, a little tweak here or there and I have an entirely new character. This is helpful when I’m making a piece with multiple components of the same thing. Working for over a decade as a web/graphic designer has offered me the tools and confidence to work this way. Without the aid of the computer, I would be drawing and re-drawing my images to get the look that I want. That’s just not something I’m excited about doing.

I have ideas for several bird quilts I want to make this year, but this will be my first attempt creating them. We’ll see how this one turns out. The end result might alter my ambition for the year, fingers crossed it works out as well as I envision.

By the way, I’m curious, when you look at my line drawings, can you tell what specific bird species I’m featuring in this new quilt?

Happy New Year

Every year at this time, I reflect on what I’ve accomplished and where I’m heading. The new year is a good time to do this type of inventory, because there’s a virtual line between old and new. Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new, so to speak. In reality time is just one continual blur, so any date could be used as a reflection point. Deliberately or not, I always tend to reflect more at this time of year.

Looking back, I really did a lot this past year. I produced 2 art exhibits, entered several shows, and applied for and received a grant. I spent a lot of time last year helping others on their journey. I’ve learned a lot.

This year, it’s time to work on me. It’s time to put the energy into my own artwork as I get ready for an exhibit in November 2016. I realize I’m easily distracted [dutifully noted, as I just spent 2 hours working on my website]. I find it easy to help other people, but find avoidance in my own productivity. This is going to change this coming year. I’ve been clearing my plate of many things so that I can find more studio time.

One thing that I’ve been doing the last couple months is search for creative inspiration. Every day, I try to look for and photograph things that inspire me. I tend to find the most beauty in the natural world. I enjoy seeing the color pallets that naturally occur around me. The form, structure, and design created in nature is pretty amazing too.

When I can’t be in the studio, these photographic essays are a way for me to entertain my creative sprite. They also inspire me with ideas for my art. I’m not sure how all the images fit, but having them in my “library” will prove to be a great resource when they’re needed.

It will be interesting to see how this next year advances. Right now, I don’t have many hard core plans yet, but that’s what January is form…thinking and dreaming about what I’ll make of 2016. As always, I’m looking forward to a new year and I hope you are too!

Happy New Year!

No Guarantees

The end of the year is almost here. There was one last thing I promised to do before the end of the year. I’ve been kind of quiet about it, because you just never know what will happen. Although people cheer me on…after the fact… that they knew I would get this or do that, there is always the realist in me who whispers…”don’t get cocky.” There are never guarantees in life, especially when you put yourself in competition with people. I’m sure some enter a competition and say to themselves, “I got this!” But personally, I think that sets me up for major disappointment when I don’t win.

My personal philosophy is to keep a low profile. I don’t make a big deal about any competition I enter, because I understand that as much as I may want to be accepted…there are no guarantees, no matter how much my friends and family tell me they believe in me.

This year, I submitted entries into 4 different shows. Entering shows is a competition. Everyone who enters is competing for the few slots available in the exhibit space. Each of us believe we are worthy of acceptance, otherwise we wouldn’t be entering. But there again, no guarantees. At year’s end, I’m ranking 2 for 4; a 50% success rate.

Right now, I’m trying to work on a large piece, but my procrastination has been high. I really haven’t been excited about finishing it, life is getting in my way. I wanted to enter it for consideration into a call for entry that opens in January. But, it just has been plunking along with little progress. I’m lacking motivation. I even considered backing out of my exhibit this November. I just wasn’t sure how I could make enough pieces. Sigh…self doubt can strangle you.

And then this past Saturday, I received a plain manilla envelope in the mail…more junk mail? I opened it with curiosity and then, seeing the contents, I immediately lost my breath.

You see, from the start of this year, I had planned to enter another competition. A very selfish competition. I was required to write a proposal and share a dream. I had to pull-together supporting documentation and get letters of recommendations. I attended meetings to learn more about the process and asked questions from people who believed in me. I applied for a grant and have been waiting for the news since October.

This past Saturday, in the plain little envelope where the words which today inspire me to keep going. I received full funding for a Regional Artist Grant. I’ve learned since then the very few people get full funding for this highly competitive “selfish” grant; I was only one of 2 who received full funding this year.

I call it selfish, because it’s all about the recipient. As an artist, we get to dream big and ask for money to fulfill that dream. My dream is to own an industrial-style sewing machine that will allow me to more accurately and proficiently stitch larger quilts. Thanks to the Arts Council and my tenacity to apply for this grant, in 2016 I will own one of these machines. Wow! I’m excited!

My artwork will improve because of this machine. But until then, the large quilt I was procrastinating about will go on hold so I can do it right on this new machine. And, until then, I will place my focus on making smaller pieces on my domestic machine.

Sometimes I think destiny dictates how my art is suppose to happen. When I get upset with my progress, or lack there of, I have to remember to step back and just accept what’s happening. I’ve always believed the pieces I make speak to me; some times I forget to listen. As in this case, I think my swampy quilt knew what was coming.

I like not knowing the outcome, because when things happen that I don’t expect I’m overjoyed. Life’s fun that way. I like having no guarantees.

Use for the Leftovers

The other day I was watching an episode of Quilting Arts TV. The host, Susan Brubaker-Knapp was interviewing Mark Lipinski. For a couple years, I’ve heard of his “Slow Stitching Movement.” I don’t know much about this iconic quilter, but I suspected what he was talking about was hand sewing. Slowing down and enjoying the stitch.

Well, it turns out I was half-right. His concept isn’t about doing hand work, but it is about slowing down and experiencing the process. I’ve been a similar journey for many years, I know it as being mindful and present in the moment.

It took watching this program, to realize that I could, and should, be applying the same concepts to my sewing. One concept Mark addresses is taking inspiration from things around you. He says that each day he takes a photo that inspires him. In the land of cellphones and iPads, this is pretty easy to accomplish. I’m trying to do this. I’m not so faithful about doing it everyday.

Another thing, Mark says he does is sew mindfully for 30 minutes, twice, everyday. In his demo he was just sewing strips of fabric. As he was doing it, he was paying attention to the sound and motion of the machine. It put him in the present moment; mindful. Brilliant.

I’m still in my little rutt, but doing what I can to keep the creativity flowing through my veins. Last week I tried Mark’s sewing technique. For the past 6 years, I’ve been collecting the interesting cut-aways from my quilts. These cut-aways are the pieces that I remove when I square up the edges after finishing a quilt. Last week, I trimmed these pieces into strips of various widths and then randomly stitched them together to create colorful quilted panels. I have a couple ideas about how to use them.

These panels inspire me because they show a bit of my history. I know where each piece came from. Some of the original quilted fabric were deconstructed from artwork that didn’t quite make it the first time around. I think I’m going to do more of this. Instead of piecing fabric, I could do free motion stitching 30 minutes each day. That could be fun and now I’ve found a use for the leftovers.