Today's art link (yay, there really is one) is from Machine Quilting Unlimited's website. This looks like a great magazine, too. More practical and technical than Quilting Arts? Hmmmm. Must explore a digital copy. Anyway, this article looked helpful about stabilizers and provided ideas about using dyed cotton duck as a backing. Sarah Ann Smith shared the results of her research into stabilizer options here. The art featured on the page is beautiful, too -- delicate surfaces. Well done! Yesterday was an implosion day. The current RA flare is both widespread to arms, leg, and back, but also more intensely located in my ankles and feet. Yesterday I was in bed early and actually slept through the night. Was good. Woke exhausted, though. This morning the kitchen flourescent light is almost dead, with only a few inches of the ring illuminated. That is how I feel, too. Grateful for little Boncuk on my shoulder, and Hapi reciting absolutely everything he knows including counting to five, doing several rounds of choo-choo-train, and a few robust "CHICKEN" calls to get me laughing. I walked by my new sketchbook sitting on the table this morning and realized I"ve had it over a week but have only started one page in it. I walked through my fabric art room and realized the same half-started art quilt has been on the wall for a month, at least. My adored sewing machines sit like relics, covered in debris moved from table to table as I fight the battle of everyday life and artistic clutter. The embroidery coursework can start any day now. I am not feeding my inner artistic beast, and I can feel it. There are so many things I want to make, create, experiment with, and explore. I KNOW I am capable of more as an artist. I see it but can't get there. Why am I not getting there lately? Then I think about the impact of RA, how more recovery time from basic living is needed. How it takes me longer to do basic things that require movement and strength these days. How I have limits on my attention and energy because of the the systemic plague (good article, here...) How my job is all about art, and maybe I am spending my enthusiasm "all in one place" without exploring my own art ideas with the same energy. Though, that is doubtful. The past few weeks I've had less to do at night during the week, which has been great, but has made me feel unproductive as I haven't been "working." Maybe it is just the arrival of spring. Overall, I feel like I am not feeding my inner artistic beast enough and it is getting very unsettled. But how do I feed the beast with so many other important things to deal with, including "basic physical survival?" Sounds dramatic, but it is true. It seems that RA is like being followed around by a tribe of miniature people from Paupa New Guinea bearing flaming pokers who are always in pursuit. I think of the "savages" on Gilligan's Island. As soon as I can transcend the physical for a minute by doing something else, a little bugger nails me with a jab and it calls my attention away from what I was thinking or doing. Elbow, arm, leg, hip, feet (always feet...ugh) And it repeats, all day long, every day, every hour. I live in a physical state of my inner voice begging for a break and some pain-free rest. Sometimes I wish I was a person who worked a simple job and thought about nothing. Instead, I am always going strong mentally, at least. I hate to complain outwardly, but this blog is really about art and life, and unfortunately RA is part of the journey for me. It just never stops. And yet, there is so much to do with color, fabric, paint, and beads! My Artistic Beast monster better take on the RA savages during this upcoming school vacation week...or else. Art is my therapy, physically and mentally, and I am so grateful to have a job where there are breaks. God, universe, etc. was good to me in that regard. Chin up inner artistic beast, time is coming. I hope. |
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AuthorAmy Ropple is an artist and art educator who believes engaging in visual art can make life happier and more meaningful. This blog is a daily journal of creative habits and interests, as well as reflections on living with chronic autoimmune disease. Archives
January 2017
CategoriesDisclaimer: Yes, there may be parrots on this site. I live with five of them and they tend to work their way into everything I do!
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