Since it usually takes me 4-6 months to create a large piece I have to choose carefully what my ground fabric will be. I am working on a challenge piece that will be 72 x 72 which presents SOME CHALLENGE let me tell you. I have chosen this luscious linen tablecloth as my base. It is supple, worn, stained and wonky and it feels right to me. Love the shadow of the pins in this shot. I may have to do a series on shadows in the future.
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 show at the Buckman gallery was mostly a blur to me. That big dose of adrenaline required to rev up my social skills dissipated as soon as the show began and I realized that most people there were just regular folks with an interest in my work. And, it turns out, they were really interested. Many asked for back stories on the concepts, process and thoughts behind the pieces. Not one compared the work to those treasured grandma quilts on their beds or in their hope chests. The larger pieces actually attracted some small audiences to listen to what I was saying.
Nor sure what I said really. Felt like one big babble. But I came out of it intact emotionally and buoyed by the positive support that was surrounding me. I didn't trip, drool or burp inappropriately. For now I am glad it is over. I'm glad that I made the effort. And I'm glad we didn't run out of carrot sticks.
Whew! Now I can go back to work.
This one may be relegated to the lap blanket pile. It has been up on my wall for over a month now and I can't seem to figure out if it is done or not. Maybe if I pack it away and take it out again next year it will all make sense. The title, Strangers Among Us, is inspired by an article I read about microscopic colonies of organisms that live within our bodies.
Strangers Among Us, Paula Kovarik, 2011
You know that feeling. The one that comes with worry. and anxiety. That's what inspired the work on this quilt. It's a simple black and white image with worry lines traversing the surface. Should I do this? or should I do that? Do I go here? or do I go there? Did I pay all the bills on time? Why am I forgetting things? How am I going to fit one more task into my day? Is that bulge over my beltline growing? ad nauseum.......
Sometimes they feel like big black boulders within. Erupting, surfacing, juggling my head.
It helps to stitch them out.
©2011, Paula Kovarik, Worry
