Creatively, I am at a good point with my art. The four small pieces I made just need edging. The Skull piece was rejected from the show I submitted it to in PA, so it needs no further attention at this time. I am free to start a new piece! Haven't been here in months. Can't wait! Can see some ideas starting to percolate -- mixed media, text, image, dimensional elements, the works. Holding the concept close, though, as talking about it prematurely can cause the bubble to pop. This one is special.
Over the weekend I began felting again, making a couple pieces of felt for an upcoming fun "pod" project described in this blog a few weeks ago. The first piece I made has fabric, yarn, and roving in it, of a wide array of tones and colors, and looks suspiciously like something a cat might cough up after ingesting a rainbow. Cut up it will be fine, but on its own it is, well, yucky. It was really fun to make though. I think I've (re)found another medium to play with. I like hand felting better than the machine felting I've done more of -- it is slower, more methodical and interactive, and also gives a more dimensional result. I still might get out the machine again to try some purposefully flat felted designs amidst some hand felted areas. Possibilities are endless. Sigh.
That being said, in my never ending attempt at becoming a British Textile Artist, I took a plunge and used a birthday gift card to invest in a few -- yes a few -- books to further the subliminal and direct influences on my work. One came yesterday, others to follow. Haven't even opened it yet. Will find out tomorrow if I will be having back surgery in December. Looks (and feels) like the answer will be a big YES. If so, I plan to immerse myself in art as I recuperate and work my fingers to the bone during this time, even if it means standing up to do it. I use art now to get away from daily pain, so hopefully this won't be much different.
The thought of having a back that doesn't radiate pain and numbness down my legs is literally a dream. It is hard to believe that the foot pain I have is from the back, but the surgeon's PA said that is very likely. Not all of it, but the pain follows that path of nerves so it could be a contributing factor. It is Arthur RA causing the swelling and tendonitis, but that is the norm. Yesterday and this morning my left foot is swollen and painful on top, and the "drop foot" is back (when you walk the foot doesn't lift the way you want it to.) I am slapping down the hallway like a scuba diver wearing flippers. Loud, painful and very zombie-like. At least it is near Halloween!
What will you make today?