Had a great time visiting the Cornerstone Quilt Guild in Charlton, MA yesterday. It was a beautiful day to drive over a hundred miles. Takes a lot of time and energy to lug lots of heavy bags to and from the house, but when I am there and all the work is spread out, and people are seeing it, it is worth it. That's what art is about. Making connections between people. Making the stuff is great -- as I've written before, it is theraputic, having benefits for mind and body, and it is personally rewarding to make something unique in this over populated, mass produced world. Sharing it and telling the stories about how the highly personal pieces are made, is even better. People tend to "get it" -- and see the connection between time spent engaged in art and how it has helped me process and deal with life's stressful events. Several people told me it was an inspiring talk, and that is very rewarding. Connection is very satisfying. Art is very satisfying. And self-sustaining.
Here is yet another gem of an article that explains a study done to assess the positive effects of engaging in textile art in the lives of chronically ill people. Of course it is an article written in the UK, and I wish to be a UK textile artist in my future life, so this article is right up my alley. Enjoy!
This makes me hungry for more art time. I want to spend time this summer accomplishing two different goals. One is to work on art - every day! To "go deep" and work the creative muscle enough to see results and a completed piece by August. The other is to empty my house of every "thing" that is not needed, making it easier to maintain throughout the year. During the year my energy is so tapped out I have a hard time getting to big organizational chores, so this is the time to do it. If I can streamline the domestic landscape, finding art time during the year will be easier. In theory, anyway! I have two rooms in my house that are little more than holding cells for stuff I don't use that often. Needs some freshening up, for sure. Watch out, trashmen. Here it comes!
What will you make today?