Success & Failure – Page 16

Make excuses

There are days when I wish I had more confidence. I’ve come a long way over the past decade, but I still haven’t eliminated self-doubt. I take comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. What I’ve learned is that I should own up to it and work through it. It’s like the book, “The Little Engine That Could.”

On those does that the negative speak takes hold, I remind myself to step back, take a breath and say, “I think I can.” Then I drive forward. “Onward>>” is my new personal catch phrase. Just don’t stop trying.
“I think I can.”

Yesterday was one of those days. I was struggling with some background quilting designs. I wanted to kick it up a notch, but each attempt didn’t give me the joy I was looking for in the quilt’s design. But I didn’t stop. I kept trying. Change the thread, change the pattern, change the attitude … “I know I can.”

By the end of the day, I felt the confidence and said, “I thought I could and I did.” Who knew it was as simple as a pre-school storybook? Always remember, in life we have 2 choices: *Make progress or *Make excuses.

SEE MY QUILT “Soar” at the
Sacred Threads Exhibition
July 7, 2017 – July 23, 2017
Floris United Methodist Church, Herndon, VA
www.sacredthreadsquilts.org

Call this a win

Today is one of those rare June days that I can have the windows open. I love hearing the birds sing and call outside. There’s a red-headed woodpecker visiting our bird feeder. I can hear its distinct chatter. Somewhat migratory in it’s nature, the red-head seems to only visit us in the breeding season. I always look forward to seeing them. They are definitely hard to miss with their bright red head and black and white tuxedo-like body.

We have several varieties of woodpeckers who visit our yard. Another impressive species is the pileated woodpecker. Pileateds are large birds and amazing to watch. Last week we saw one feeding its young with suet from our feeder. It is so special when they play in our backyard.

Both of these birds are common in the longleaf pine forests in which I live. Like many habitats its being lost to encroachment of people. The pinecones of the longleaf are massive. I’ve been working on a concept using the longleaf pinecone as inspiration. This week I sketched out a digital drawing based on a photo I took a couple years ago. Now that I have the line drawing in Adobe Illustrator, I can easily resize the image to fit any project requirements.

I tried to send the line drawing to my Cameo Silhouette plotter. The Silhouette has a blade attachment which will follow the lines of a drawing and cut out pieces of fabric. (Here’s a link to a post where I describe how it works.) I’m not sure I’m sold on using the Silhouette. I can see it’s potential, but I also need a lot of practice trying to get the techniques down. The image in this post shows my results after I fused all the tiny bits together. I still need to fuse it to a background fabric, then add some depth and detail using thread and pencil. For the most part I’ve accomplished what I tried to do, so we can call this a win.

This one may take awhile

A part of creating original designs is figuring out how to accomplish them. I always say I have a huge tool box [of ideas and resources] I can use for my art. The ideas don’t always work as planned. Its OK, because sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.

Right now, I have an idea that’s pretty solid in my head. I want to create an art quilt using a photo I took at Muir Woods. First I need to make the background. I want it to appear as if the sun is beaming through the trees. I want to use pieced wedges of fabrics. Brilliant idea … I “think.”

Well the bugger is I don’t have a lot of yellow fabric. So, I went shopping at NC Quilt Symposium 2 weeks ago. They usually have some great vendors … not so this year. Sadness.

So, then I decide to use what’s already in my stash and make it work. Yes… Yes… I think I can do this. I spent an entire day cutting, piecing and sewing (remember I’m not using a pattern). I’m confident its looking good … but … not … so … fast. The final outcome failed. More sadness. The piece is not large enough to cut square and get the effect I desired. I don’t have enough yellow fabric to try again. The nearest fabric store is an hour away. With this “trial” run, I’m sure the idea will work, but I’m stuck until I can get out of town and go fabric shopping. Even then, there’s no guarantee that the store’s fabric selection will work with my idea.

I’m not defeated…just feeling challenged at the moment. I will get this one done, but for now its on hold. Sometimes that’s just the way it goes … this one may take awhile.

Fine-tuning

The past few weeks, I’ve been trying to fine-tune some techniques I’m using. Right now, I’m revisiting the Carolina Parakeets.

The attached photo shows the same quilt at different stages of the process. (If you click on the image you’ll get an enlarged view to see the details.)

With the image on the left, you see the fused fabric pieces and a little bit of coloring on the head/beak of the parakeet.

The bird on the right bird is completely colorized and has a sealer on it to keep it from smudging when handled.

When comparing the 2 images, look closely at the wing, tail feathers, and feet. The image on the right has more shading and definition. It doesn’t look so 2-dimensional. This is what I’ve been playing with.

I’m trying to make 2-dimensional applique look more like a painting. There are many different things I can use to accomplish this. Right now, my weapon of choice is colored pencils. There are limitations to using pencils on fabric, but there are also limitations to using pencils on paper. I’ll be experimenting with this process over the summer. I like where its going, so stay tuned, it still needs some fine-tuning.

Either you’re in or you’re not

“Technically” I make quilts (2 layers of fabric sandwiching a middle layer of material, joined with stitches). Some people tend to classify quilts as craft.

Among the art quilt community, there is tremendous push to have what we do carry more respect in the art world. Some venues have strong views on art/craft classifications. Good and bad, I’ve seen a lot of art in my life. Some has me scratching my head in disbelief and other’s has me mesmerized in awe! Ultimately, art is in the eye of the beholder.

I’ve decided to go the way of my peers and enter more fine art exhibits. I’ve also pondered whether to ask a venue to clarify if they accept art quilts. After much consideration, I realized that asking is just casting doubt onto my own work? Do I really think what I do is craft? No! So why should I project a message of doubt?

It’s all relative and, take it or leave it, its all in the hands of the selection committee. The reality … its just a competition. Like every other competition in life, either you’re in or you’re not.

Let the left foot drive

When I purchased my HandiQuilter Sweet16, the salesclerk at one of the shops was rather insistent that I purchase their $1k stitch regulator. I insisted I didn’t need it and today I still agree. Want to know why?

Somewhere along my journey, I was taught to sew with my left foot and without shoes. Most everyone drives a car using their right foot on the gas and I am right-handed, so you’d think using my right foot would be the most comfortable way to control the foot pedal. And barefoot, why would that better?

First, let me explain the sewing process. The secret to consistent stitch length is to move the fabric in sync with the needle. The more “gas” you give the machine with the foot pedal, the faster the needle moves up and down. The faster the needle moves, the faster the fabric needs to move to keep in sync with the needle. When sewing pieces of fabrics together, it is the machine’s feed dogs that move the fabric. In free-motion quilting, however, the feed dogs are not engaged. The only thing moving the fabric is the sewist.

Free motion quilting becomes much like a dance, where your hands and feet need to work in harmony to keep the stitch length consistent. For people who have the extra $1k to buy a stitch regulator, they are paying for the luxury of having the machine control the process (much like a self-driving car). These regulators can sense movement of the fabric. The faster the fabric moves, the faster the needle goes…it doesn’t matter what you’re doing with the pedal.

Since I’ve sewn and driven right-footed for several decades, you would think my right foot could handle the job. In reality, my right foot knew too much. Piecing fabric and driving a car is different from free motion quilting. While I was learning to quilt, I literally had to re-train myself to sync my hands with my feet. It was a struggle. My right foot had strong muscle memory and knew “pedal to the metal”; my hands couldn’t keep up. In contrast, my left foot never had this kind of responsibility and didn’t “know” how to sew. By switching to my left foot, I no longer had to fight my old habits and I trained my left foot to control the gas. Sure it was awkward at first, but I quickly got the hang of it.

And why am I bare footed? In general, we wear shoes to protect our feet from sharp objects. The thicker the shoe, the less our feet “feel” the surface we’re walking on. When I’m shoe-less I have greater control of the pedal, because I can sense how much pressure I’m applying. Shoes barricade this sensation.

So, if you want to gain more control of your sewing, I suggest getting comfy, take off those shoes, and let the left foot drive.

See it

This week I am working on a lecture I’m giving next week. My topic is about my artistic journey, from wildlife biologist to art quilter.

It’s fun to reminisce a little, but it’s also pretty empowering to see how my journey through life led me here. I’ve worn many hats in my life, but there’s always been two things consistent; my love of nature and sewing. Early in life I wanted to be a environmentalist. I studied natural science and wildlife biology in college.

Later in life, I dreamt of being an artist. While following this dream, I pursued many different artistic styles. It was only recently that I had the epiphany that my love of nature was evident in most things that I created. It was my artistic voice and youthful passions demanding to be heard.

My take-home lesson from this journey, is just keep trying. If art is your passion, then keep making art. If the results turn out good or bad, who cares? Just keep doing it! You will learn only by doing and exploring. Your artistic voice/style will eventually appear. Also, be sure to add some personal reflection. Like me, maybe your voice/passion has always been there, patiently waiting for you to see it.

Shoot for the moon

I’m working on some plans. There’s a check list of things to do. This year I really need to make a difference on how I approach my life and art. It’s somewhat scary to set out to rattle the cage, but that’s what I feel I need to do this year.

I’ve been living my life inside a bubble, but now it’s time to move outside that comfort zone. Someone recently advised me to focus on what gives me “fire in my belly.” Boy, do I understand that concept. Do you understand? It’s a feeling that something has ignited in your gut and there’s nothing that will stop you. Staying so focused requires a lot of energy. It’s easier to settle into the normal rut and lose motivation.

I want to prove a point this year, so my focus needs to remain fired up. I don’t want to lose momentum. I need to shoot for the moon.

Godspeed

“Soar” – 63″ x 31″ by Nanette S. Zeller (inspired by a photo by Brady Beck)

Yesterday at 4am, my dog, Dakota, woke me up to be let out. Although this sounds early, it’s kind of a ritual in our home to rise and shine before sunrise. I could have slept in, but my brain decided to engage full fire. I couldn’t get back to sleep. I think most of us have had days like these.

What normally happens when I can’t sleep is my brain worries about all that needs to get done. I feel overwhelmed and I panic a little about some huge to-do list ahead of me. Yesterday was different.

The thoughts running through my head at “oh-dark-thirty” weren’t overwhelming, but instead exhilarating. It was like my brain finally realized that I was into a new year with new opportunities. When it was finally time to get out of bed, I was ready to take on the day.

The enthusiasm has continued into today. All the things I pondered, in my time “off” the last 2 months, were ready for me to take on full speed. As usual, I don’t truly know where any of this is going. What I do know is that I can not sit back and ignore opportunity. I have a check list of things that I plan to do with deadlines that need to be met, quilts to be made and proposals to submit. It feels good to have direction and enthusiasm.

I hope this week you too see the potential in your life. Walk away for the negativity and focus on what you want in life. Remember, that the only thing you can change is yourself. Enjoy the journey and godspeed!

Be thankful

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day! Although, I try to be thankful every day, Thanksgiving is a celebrated day of reflection.

Our show at Campbell House is still hanging. We have an Open House scheduled for Monday, Nov 28 and a gallery sale on December 2 & 3 (see details below). I’m grateful that this exhibit is hanging for an extended period and that there are many options for people to visit. Looking at the pictures of my art hanging along side the artwork of my friends, I’m reminded of this journey I’ve been on.

Several years ago, I was in turmoil. I wanted to be an artist, but didn’t know what that meant. People told me that I already was an artist, but I didn’t agree. At that time, I had a specific grasp of understanding about this label. In my mind, an artist was someone who created original ideas and they also hung their artwork in “art” galleries.

As I step back and look at this exhibit, I can reflect on the journey and how I got here. I can see that my artwork portrays original ideas and hangs in art galleries alongside “fine art” paintings. I’ve created the persona that I was striving for so many years ago. This journey wasn’t easy and there is still a road ahead.

Along the way there where so many people who influenced me, helped me, and believed in me. That’s ultimately what I’m thankful for this weekend. I’m also thankful that I didn’t give up. I may have gone on some detours, but I always got back on track. I believe that spirit of never giving up comes from those who are no longer with me on this big blue marble. They set the mold, pushed me out the door and then stepped away. It’s all part of some giant plan that continues to unfold.

I’m also thankful for having the ability to share this journey with you. My hope in each of the personal reflections I share with you is that they remind you that you are in control. If you want it, then believe it and you’ll achieve it. Just remember to stop along the way to reflect and be thankful.

Join me for:

“Paper, Canvas, Cloth”
November 4 – December 17, 2016

Open House — Monday, November 28 — (2-4p)
Holiday Art & Jewelry Sale – Friday, December 2 — (9a-5p) & Saturday, December 3 — (10a-4p)
Campbell House Galleries, Southern Pines, NC
featuring the work of
Sharon Ferguson, Marilyn Vendemia, & Nanette S. Zeller