I went to a sewing sale over the weekend and lucked in to some great fabric finds. Silk, linen, cotton -- it was all there. I purchased great heaps of inspiration for the grand total of $18. Now to find the time to work with it (and still stay focused on the challenge quilt I am working on for a SAQA show). I might have to take a little detour to play with these soon.
Paula Kovarik, 2012.
OK, I admit I have found numerous excuses not to get back into the swing of working at days end. Too tired, too frazzled, too cold to return to the studio. Preparing for the Exploration show, going out of town, watching election results, crocheting Christmas presents, paying bills. Doing research, etc. etc. etc.
Is it that I am blocked? (maybe) Overwhelmed by the options? (yes, definitely) Intimidated by my expectations? (definitely) Am I being affected by the time change? weather change? mood change? (Yes. Yes. Yes.)
So today I browsed through some older progress shots to restart the engines. This simple black and white composition intrigues me. I may have to take a side street to experiment further with this meadering.
The artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster create wonderful sculptures of junk that cast shadows which are completely surprising (see the work here.) It reminds me that when encountering ideas it is sometimes best to look at them sideways or upside down or from above before coming to a complete understanding.
I am hitting roadblocks in my work. I don't meet the expectations I have set for myself. I don't have the patience to work. I dither and skitter from one to the next without purpose. I make snap judgments that destroy the original idea. Fiber art is by nature a slow process. It requires patience, meditative concentration and skilled, detailed execution. That doesn't work if I am flitting and thrashing.
Perhaps I need to look sideways.
sideways shadows, Paula Kovarik, 2012
instead it is the affect of water on two color sands. This natural marbling was fascinating to watch. Volcanic black sand mixing with ocean white sand. I found it more interesting than the monkeys who were behind me stealing dorito bags from our neighbor.
©2012, Paula Kovarik
On the theme of we-are-not-alone I found these delightful tracks in the sand on a largely abandoned beach in Costa Rica last week. Looks like a gathering came together then parted company after some discussion. I especially like the little zipper tracks going across the middle.
sand tracks, ©2012, Paula Kovarik
