In order to keep growing as an artist it is important to continue experimenting and exploring new ideas. A great place to do this is in workshops. Let go of the idea that everything you make has to be a masterpiece. Give yourself freedom to fail. Give yourself freedom to play. Make for the joy of making. Make as a process of discovery.
Below is an exploratory piece playing with lines. It is a small study I did in a worksop several years ago that I finally quilted. I love the movement of this piece and the subtle shades of white in the ground. It is very different than anything else I have made, but there is something in this small piece that intrigues me.
“Line Study in Black and White” 2021, 36” W by 24” H
commercial cottons, cotton batting, machine quilted
Once again I used variegated threads in the machine quilting. I must admit I am not thrilled with the free motion quilting in the background. If I had it to do over, I would choose a different texture/design. Not every idea works out like you hope. Half way through I thought about ripping out the quilting and starting over, but life is too short. Instead I let go of perfectionism and continued “swiftly on.” I have many other basted pieces waiting for machine quilting.
“Line Study in Black and White” 2021 detail
What are you exploring in your work? Do you give yourself permission to fail? Permission to play?