Spent time playing with digitally manipulating collage scans yesterday. It is so easy to generate a lot of different images really quickly. I think I have 25 different versions of one image alone. Oh, the printing that will occur the last day at Mass Art! I am painting another version of one of the collages today, then will get back to digital. I think that is key for me to dig into, Then, dig into the digital embroidery step, too. I see editions, here - maybe six of a kind, maximum? Could be really interesting. Or, they could be altered slightly with paint first and then sewn. Or maybe just choose four or so to enlarge, quilt, and bead. Oh, the possibilities of creating in this new, brave world.
I miss thread. A lot. Trying to make a design work without stitch is really hard for me. That is what I am learning this summer! Andrew talked about the business of my designs and how it is good sometimes to choose areas of rest in a composition so the better parts can show up more. Really good point, I’m not great at the rests. Busy, busy, busy, at all things,
I am really enjoying this class, though -- just the right balance of “chill out and create” and mental prodding to consider new concepts. Getting a push, but also support for my humble efforts thus far. I feel really lucky to have found this class at this time in my artistic life. Reminds me that successful teaching is such a tricky balance -- the student has to be in the right place for the right teaching style at the right time. So many variables. As a teacher, how do I reach everyone where they are? Such a challenge! My teaching brain is getting revved up...I can feel it.
Thank GOD for the inner working world of the creative mind. It makes up for the disappointing outside world that seems to surround me so much of the time. Between the physical limitations and pain I live with daily and the challenges of living that everyone faces, life can get tough. Exploring art, and making things, is a wonderful escape hatch through which balance is restored. This and time spent with really good friends (as in real friends that are not mean and abusive, please note.) I am so grateful to have more people in my life to turn to when things are not internally sunny than at any time in my life before, It does take a village, and all I have to do is think about the kindness of my pals to know everything will be alright. Emotions take time to catch up to cognitive understanding, though. Time will tell and heal all.
Like a recent Facebook meme stated: “And this too will pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.”
I think some parrot and beach therapy are on order this evening, Peace out.