Last year, I received the book "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin for Christmas. It was a surprisingly helpful book. I gained a few insights that were useful for being happier. Rubin has a list of things that she wants to be more mindful of, including "let it be". It sounded like a shorter version of the Serenity Prayer, which I can never remember in the right order. "Let it be" was my mindfulness mantra for the year, and was helpful.
Around New Years, I had been in a bit of a cranky mood, and realized that whenever I had a negative thought, I felt even crankier. So, I decided to use the mantra of "be generous" for this year. It's a reminder to me that when I'm having critical thoughts about someone's behavior that I need to be more generous. For example, the car in back of me is driving too closely. I might like to slam on my brakes and give them a scare, but being generous would be thinking about the fact that they might be very nervous about being late for work, a doctors appointment, picking up a sick child from school - anything that might make someone feel a bit overwhelmed.
I also hope to be more generous to myself! When I'm working in the studio and things aren't going well, instead of thinking I'm a crappy artist and should give up and do something else, I'm going to remember that everyone feels this way during the process of creating, and that it's just part of the process. And probably eat some chocolate to make myself feel better too. Having a mindfulness mantra has been helpful for me, and I recommend it. Leave me a comment if you have had one too - whether it worked, or not!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Quilts=Art=Quilts
I was thrilled to have two art quilts accepted to the very competitive Quilts=Art=Quilts at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center in Auburn, NY. One of the pieces "Circus Time" had been exhibited in the Artist As Quiltmaker exhibit in Oberlin, Ohio, but the other piece "Going In Circles" made its premier debut at the Schweinfurth. I was really happy it was accepted because I think it is the best work I have done for awhile, and because Jan Myers-Newbury was one of the judges, and I am in awe of her work! Here's an image of Going In Circles:
The exhibit runs from October 28 through January 6, 2013. I went for the opening - had to see my babies on the wall - and really enjoyed it. The museum does an excellent job of curating the show, and they were very gracious and welcoming to the artists at the opening.
The museum had sold a few pieces at the opening. I haven't heard if any others have sold, but that's always of interest. If you can get to the show, I highly recommend it.
You can see "Circus Time" here- February 4, 2012 post.
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| c.2012 Going In Circles 32" x 38" |
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| detail of Going In Circles |
The exhibit runs from October 28 through January 6, 2013. I went for the opening - had to see my babies on the wall - and really enjoyed it. The museum does an excellent job of curating the show, and they were very gracious and welcoming to the artists at the opening.
The museum had sold a few pieces at the opening. I haven't heard if any others have sold, but that's always of interest. If you can get to the show, I highly recommend it.
You can see "Circus Time" here- February 4, 2012 post.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Ego less
Robert Genn's twice weekly letter had this quote yesterday:
"Artists shouldn't enter competitions until they are tough enough to realize it is only opinion and not a reflection on their worth. It is equally dangerous to lull yourself into thinking you are great just because you place in a show." (Mary Moquin)
A good reminder that we make art, not to please others, but to express ourselves. The end result should be the the expression of an idea, feeling, thought, along with an exploration of color and composition.
There are so many stories of an art work being turned down by jury after jury, and then being accepted into a prestigious show. The jury, venue and cohort are all variables we can't control. And, as they say about the lottery, you can't win if you don't enter.
Others have written about the thrill of being accepted into Quilt National, and the feeling of "is that all there is?" after the opening. I haven't entered QN, or an IQA show, but I'm feeling like it is time to make that leap. For me, putting the work out there is about 1/4 of the pleasure of creating the work. Hearing someone say they really responded to one of my works is very gratifying - I like that feeling of connection and communication. But it's the time in the studio that is most satisfying. Trying to make an idea come to life is like doing self therapy. I'm mostly talking myself through a problem, and if the result speaks to someone else on the planet than that's an extra bonus.
Every artist's motivation to create, and exhibit, is probably a little different. If you're an artist, why do you create - and do you exhibit too? Some artists can create just for themselves, and don't need, or want to exhibit.
Robert Genn's site
"Artists shouldn't enter competitions until they are tough enough to realize it is only opinion and not a reflection on their worth. It is equally dangerous to lull yourself into thinking you are great just because you place in a show." (Mary Moquin)
A good reminder that we make art, not to please others, but to express ourselves. The end result should be the the expression of an idea, feeling, thought, along with an exploration of color and composition.
There are so many stories of an art work being turned down by jury after jury, and then being accepted into a prestigious show. The jury, venue and cohort are all variables we can't control. And, as they say about the lottery, you can't win if you don't enter.
Others have written about the thrill of being accepted into Quilt National, and the feeling of "is that all there is?" after the opening. I haven't entered QN, or an IQA show, but I'm feeling like it is time to make that leap. For me, putting the work out there is about 1/4 of the pleasure of creating the work. Hearing someone say they really responded to one of my works is very gratifying - I like that feeling of connection and communication. But it's the time in the studio that is most satisfying. Trying to make an idea come to life is like doing self therapy. I'm mostly talking myself through a problem, and if the result speaks to someone else on the planet than that's an extra bonus.
Every artist's motivation to create, and exhibit, is probably a little different. If you're an artist, why do you create - and do you exhibit too? Some artists can create just for themselves, and don't need, or want to exhibit.
Robert Genn's site
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
SAQA Auction 2012
Here's my contribution to the SAQA Auction - I titled it "Spring Moons". Working in 12" square is a real challenge for me. The composition has to look good as a thumbnail photo, and as a small quilt. It's a good exercise in using design principles. This little beauty took about two days to design and put together.
The SAQA auction starts in September. It is a great way to collect art that is small, and can be hung in small places, or as a grouping. Like every non-profit, SAQA is in need of more support than it can get from membership fees. Please save up and support the auction!
The SAQA auction starts in September. It is a great way to collect art that is small, and can be hung in small places, or as a grouping. Like every non-profit, SAQA is in need of more support than it can get from membership fees. Please save up and support the auction!
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| Spring Moons 2012 12" x 12" |
Sunday, April 8, 2012
The Benefits of Community
Spending time with people who share a passion is a confirming, and rejuvenating experience. The SAQA/SDA conference had speakers who were interesting and even thought provoking at times. But the time spent at meals, over coffee or drinks, or late at night in hotel rooms with other artists, is the reason to attend a conference.
It's an opportunity to learn from others. To talk about our struggles as artists. To build a network of friends who know who you are, and what you do. It's a chance to be in a room with over 200 people who speak your language, and hear your voice.
It's also an opportunity to have free flowing conversations that sometimes lead to new ideas, invigorate the desire to succeed, and laugh out loud - a lot! It is a freeing environment, because for the most part, artists at the SAQA/SDA conference are happy to meet a new person, and know they may find a new friend/mentor/student. Or just someone to say hello to at the next conference. We put names to faces, and to their work.
Most of us are middle aged or older, dress comfortably, and like Clark Kent, are mild mannered women (in public). We don't look like we make fantastic pieces of art. It's wonderful to look around a room and see people who you know love color, line, shapes and textiles, just like you.
Being part of this community event has many advantages. The results are enhanced networking, learning, laughing, understanding, inspiration, perspective and probably many others I can't think of right now. Next year the SAQA conference is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I'm already looking forward to it!
It's an opportunity to learn from others. To talk about our struggles as artists. To build a network of friends who know who you are, and what you do. It's a chance to be in a room with over 200 people who speak your language, and hear your voice.
It's also an opportunity to have free flowing conversations that sometimes lead to new ideas, invigorate the desire to succeed, and laugh out loud - a lot! It is a freeing environment, because for the most part, artists at the SAQA/SDA conference are happy to meet a new person, and know they may find a new friend/mentor/student. Or just someone to say hello to at the next conference. We put names to faces, and to their work.
Most of us are middle aged or older, dress comfortably, and like Clark Kent, are mild mannered women (in public). We don't look like we make fantastic pieces of art. It's wonderful to look around a room and see people who you know love color, line, shapes and textiles, just like you.
Being part of this community event has many advantages. The results are enhanced networking, learning, laughing, understanding, inspiration, perspective and probably many others I can't think of right now. Next year the SAQA conference is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and I'm already looking forward to it!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Fiber Philadelphia and SAQA/SDA conference
The Fiber Philadelphia exhibit and the Studio Art Quilt Associates conference are this weekend, and I am anticipating a thought provoking, inspiration inducing, and laugh out loud good time. The conference is jointly produced every other year by SAQA and the Surface Design Association, and they are intense learning experiences, and great networking opportunities.
The exhibits, including, Art Quilt Elements, and Fiber Philadelphia should make for a very full weekend. After the conference, I'll be attending a 3 day shibori workshop with Jan Myers Newbury. I've taken two workshops with Jan before, but I learn something new every time. She's been dyeing fabric on a pole for 25 years, so her knowledge would take a long time to dispense. I'll soak up all I can get in her workshops.
The exhibits, including, Art Quilt Elements, and Fiber Philadelphia should make for a very full weekend. After the conference, I'll be attending a 3 day shibori workshop with Jan Myers Newbury. I've taken two workshops with Jan before, but I learn something new every time. She's been dyeing fabric on a pole for 25 years, so her knowledge would take a long time to dispense. I'll soak up all I can get in her workshops.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Taiwan International Quilt Exhibit 2012
I think I'm going to start singing that Mary Chapin Carpenter song "I'm feeling lucky", although we wouldn't be referring to the same thing at all. But 2012 is starting out very well for acceptances to juried exhibits.
The Taiwan Art Quilt Society holds an international exhibit every two years, and I've never entered a piece before this year. It just seemed too far away to be real. But others who entered where excited by the quality of the exhibit, and praised the organizers. So I took a chance, and my piece was accepted. I'm feeling lucky!
The acceptance to the Artist As Quiltmaker makes two acceptances within 3 months. My goal for the year is 4 acceptances, so if I can keep myself producing new work, entering and being accepted, I'll be pleased with my work. I've entered 4 exhibits, and been accepted to 2. The 50/50 acceptance rate is the same as last year. Instead of being discouraged about rejection, I look toward the next entry.
The theme for the Taiwan exhibit is Rivers/Waters, and I had an art quilt that was about the melting glaciers that are caused by climate change and global warming. I fine tuned the quilt, and entered it. It's pretty amazing to think my quilt will be in Taiwan - wish I could travel with it. Wouldn't it be a thrill to be in Taiwan at the opening?
The Taiwan Art Quilt Society holds an international exhibit every two years, and I've never entered a piece before this year. It just seemed too far away to be real. But others who entered where excited by the quality of the exhibit, and praised the organizers. So I took a chance, and my piece was accepted. I'm feeling lucky!
The acceptance to the Artist As Quiltmaker makes two acceptances within 3 months. My goal for the year is 4 acceptances, so if I can keep myself producing new work, entering and being accepted, I'll be pleased with my work. I've entered 4 exhibits, and been accepted to 2. The 50/50 acceptance rate is the same as last year. Instead of being discouraged about rejection, I look toward the next entry.
The theme for the Taiwan exhibit is Rivers/Waters, and I had an art quilt that was about the melting glaciers that are caused by climate change and global warming. I fine tuned the quilt, and entered it. It's pretty amazing to think my quilt will be in Taiwan - wish I could travel with it. Wouldn't it be a thrill to be in Taiwan at the opening?
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| Melting c.2012 by Jeanne Marklin |
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