I've been spending quite a bit of time on this picture of red horses. For some reason, I feel that I need to finish it before going on to my real work but why did I even start it? Did I think it wouldn't take much time? Wrong.
Did I think it would be something nice to hang as Christmas decor? That's a good idea, but it was not the original intent.
It came out of me learning
Janet Bolton's methods and seeing a photo of
Swedish folk art.
This piece is a break from my abstract work. A change.
A change is as good as a rest they say.
Maybe it is my don't worry cloth.
Maybe the horses are Ned and I, far away from anyone. On a hill, with sun and snow.
In our mid 60's lucky to have each other as life companions, on a timeline.
Too soon we will need to be changed, pushed, listened to.
Making it gives me space away from real life.
Making it gives me time away from real art.
This little thing gives me a place to not worry.
I can't help but wonder ... what is "real art"?
ReplyDeletethe asides that want to fall out of our hands hold some of the most interesting directions!
ReplyDeleteyes, like Liz
ReplyDeletereading, i thought...What?
Side projects lead to fresh ideas. I'm curious to see where this leads you.
ReplyDeleteLiz and Grace - good point!!
ReplyDeleteThis piece is so different from the direction I have been pursuing with my stitched artwork - I have been working with repetition, simplicity, abstract archetypal image or symbol - I feel like I am a child here, drawing something so representational.
I feel as if I am just fooling around. I think I feel guilty.
Thank you for listening to me and questioning me. You are right. This picture is as important as my other work.
It is real art.
xo
xxoo
DeleteIts funny when a project or process reaches out and grabs you. Something wants to take form and I think we must always let that happen.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about a thing,
ReplyDelete'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Bob Marley
Having a pair of dressed-up red horses to pull your worries away is real art unto itself.
ReplyDeleteWhat I like is the directness of this image, uncomplicated (though the stitching may be somewhat demanding) and cheerful. I love the directive too..."Don't worry". After all, what does worry accomplish? Neither comfort nor change of condition, and certainly not flow, not health, not peace of mind. I feel lifted up. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI might venture to say that
ReplyDeletee.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.
that comes from you is real.
The other labels ... art or play or journaling or visualizing the future [you & Ned]
are only that - labels. In the clothing industry labels go on after the fact
and are not an integral part of the garment.
Thanks for this last sentence - how often do we waste time on 'labels'.
Deletenothing like a slow cloth, i love janet bolton, i have loved her work and owned her books for a very long time. your work on the red horses is stunning! relax and enjoy
ReplyDeletenot to worry. maybe i need to make such a space. or maybe i've been doing that, weaving shifu bits.
ReplyDeleteYes, Velma. You are not worrying when you are making. That is one thing that I do know is real. xo
ReplyDeletethis is sort of how I feel about the stray cat series.
ReplyDeleteMy reaction was exactly like some of your other readers: what is REAL art? Of course this is art. It may not be like what you "normally" do but it is ART. You often comment or post about the beautiful Indian blankets, Kanthas cloth. You call that art. It is an expression of the women who make them. It is stitched very much like your horses. Some say the same thing about making quilts. It isn't real art but you know it is.
ReplyDeleteART
noun
1. the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Do not feel guilty. Do not feel like you are wasting time. Sew on Sister!
Even artists need hobbies! That's how I feel about rug hooking - I still get to play with colour and texture, just working a different aspect of my aesthetic sensibilities.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to have some fun and relax with our art tools sometimes! It is a kind of nurturing.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have been looking for scandinavian embroidery inspiration for sometime. Your link is very useful. What does 'yllebroderier' exactly mean? I can not find the translation...
In my book, even good cooking is an art !
ReplyDeleteMy 'real' art has taken a back seat lately to small panels with bands of co-ordinating/contrasting colours, hand embroiderey, beads and plied with found objects ... so I understand that sometimes we have to/need to take a break from our 'real art'.
I do feel a touch guilty because so much other art is piling up ;)
Lovely and whimsical ... good for the soul.
Montse, I ordered the book authored by Ann Helen Olsson entitled Yllebroderier and it arrived yesterday. A beautiful hardcover packed with coloured images and text in Swedish.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that I am able to have such resources and live where I do. Another example of how the internet has made the world intimate - a good thing. I'll try to email you more information, but I think that Yllebroderier means wool embroidery or perhaps folk wool embroidery in swedish.
Even just googling the word yllebroderier brings up many images and new path ways to discover. xo
Thank you for this post. It is helping me in my wondering about what I am "trying" to say vs. what I actually am already saying, Whether I am "trying" to or not. Hard to put it in words, but the older I grow the more I want to understand the core of things, where the seeds are.
ReplyDeleteI just became completely immersed in your blog, Judy! I LOVE your work. Your stitching is sublime. I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDelete