Eek! How the heck did it get to be December? I don’t think I posted one thing to SHARDS in November. Sure, there is always a lot going on at the San Antonio Art League where I work these days, and we did take a quick trip to Charleston, where I got to research South Carolina Indigo plantations, but still . . . shame on me for slacking.
The problem is that I always want to wait to post until something is finished, or new, or spectacular, but most of us just don’t produce like that. We squeeze in time for our art when we can, and most of it is simply ongoing work in progress, either for an event or for our own exploration.
Work in progress – this one has been around a couple of months!
Have you ever read Jude Hill’s blog, Sprint Cloth? She posts almost every day, even if it’s just a photo of a small patch of fabric she’s working on, or a picture of her cat. She doesn’t wait till something is finished – she posts her daily practice. Kinda brave, since who knows how things will turn out. I’ve had plenty of good ideas crash and burn while trying to create them.
Jude Hill – Spirit Cloth
So, just to check back in with you, with nothing finished or spectacular, here’s what I’m working on right now even though it’s still in baby steps. It’s a project for an exhibit at St. Mary’s University coming in February, “Naturally Inspired: Works by Sabra Booth, Lyn Belisle, Jesus Toro Martinez, and Tim McMeans.” The other three artists are amazing – I’m grateful to be in their company.
Curator Brian St. John has tasked me with making 3D work for the exhibit, and I am building three or four free-standing screens with twig supports and panels of 300# watercolor paper. Some of the images will be photos of my clay work, enhanced with natural beeswax and walnut ink.
Initial planning layout – 24″ x 50″
Single panel prototype
Double panel
The panels are coming along well – just gotta figure out how they are going to go together, and whether to use two or four panels in each screen. I like the idea that they can be configured in different ways with different sides showing. And the engineering is challenging, but fun. Hopefully, I’ll have a final product to who you soon.
I did finish this piece (below) recently and may use the idea of a free-standing clay structure with branches similar to this one in the St, Mary’s show – we will see.
“Grace and Deliverance” Clay, Wax, Silk
One of the reasons I miss teaching workshops so much is that in a three-hour block of time, projects were finished, and results were ready to show-and-tell. But with my volunteer day job at the Art League, it’s just not possible right now. Sigh.
Coincidentally, Laura George, a business consultant for artists, just posted an article called “Productivity hacks for artists with day jobs.” Here’s the link – definitely worth a read.
I hope all is well with all of you, and that you are happy and busy. Thanks for reading SHARDS. Let me know what you’re working on!
I LOVE the head with the body!!!! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!!!
That’s next on my list – I want to finish it for the upcoming exhibit – thanks, Cindy!
I publish whatever I’ve completed during the week on my blog…some are more exciting than others, but I keep encouraging others not to be too hard on the magnificence of their productions by following my example. I can also include process shots, which some appreciate.
I enjoy weeing what you are showing. Thank you!
I really liked your last collage post, Pamela – nice blog.
I love the pieces you are working on as well as the finished piece you shared with us. I am going to make a suggestion and hope you will take it in the spirit in which it is intended. Be aware of negative self-talk. Virtually any statement can be expressed in a positive light…”One of the reasons I miss teaching workshops so much is that in a three-hour block of time, projects were finished, and results were ready to show-and-tell. But with my volunteer day job at the Art League, it’s just not possible right now. Sigh.” Or: “A positive result of teaching a workshop is that in a three-hour block of time, projects were finished and results ready for show-and-tell. For now, I’m choosing to focus on my volunteer day job at the Art League and all the benefits and rewards that brings.” Of course, I’m assuming that you enjoy your volunteer job and have consciously made the choice to spend your creative time there. If not, well, forget all the above!
Thanks for the reminder – the work I’m dong at the Art League is important to me. I think of it as “giving back.” But I do miss teaching workshops – too bad there’s not enough time to do both!
Love it that you are posting works in progress. It’s fun to see – and inspiring to get to participate in the process.
Let’s see how it turns out!! How’s your Photoshop imaging going, Monika? ♥
Gone into too many directions – time to focus:):):)
But first – time to get back into the clothing. Ready for it!
Curious what will come out..
Still gratefully working on mixed media pieces inspired by all your e-books
Oh, Judith – that warms my heart!!
I totally get the “wanting it to be finished before posting” thing. But I have started posting progress pictures sort of like documenting. Even when I do shows friends want to see the step by step set up pictures.
I love seeing your in progress images. .
Will try to do more of that – thanks!!
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