Post by Honeylioness on Jan 19, 2010 13:19:36 GMT -5
GLDNLUVLY - 01/19/10 10:02 AM
Honey[/b]-How are the kitties these days? Also, what projects are you working on? I know nitza was lucky enough to see some of your beautiful work in person.
Honeylioness - 01/19/10 01:11 PM
GLDNLUVLY [/b]- Well, the kitties are fine. Why shouldn't they be? All they "have" to do is move their furry behinds from the couch to a chair to the food dish and back again - with the occasional trip to the litter box. I want such a life!!!!
As to any projects currently in the works - *sigh* I wish you hadn't asked me that. I am feeling incredibly "stuck" creatively - and have been for a while. I think part of it is just feeling a bit overwhelmed by Fraulein at the moment and not having much energy or "spark" when I get home to do more than deal with her, make dinner and go to bed.
But the other part is my own issues. I feel as though I have reached a place where I am never happy with whatever I do creatively. I see these amazing pieces in magazines, electronic newsletters and shows - and I just feel as though I will never be able to produce anything of that caliber. That my work will never be good enough, or perfect enough, to enter into a show - much less ever win a prize. I have about a third of my "Renewal of the Saints" quilt pieces done - but have not worked on it in months. I try to not compare my work to that of the "professionals" - but even a lot of the "amateur" stuff I see is just overwhelming. I know I should not care whether anyone else but me likes it. That I should not be so concerned with every "dot and tittle" as my grandmother would say - but with expressing something of me. But it's hard.
A part of me would like to finally take the plunge and enter one piece into a "real" show - just to say I did it. But then I begin to stress over this too long stitch, or that slightly off center piece of fabric, and I find myself just giving up. And then I feel badly because it USED to give me such joy and I could sew for hours on end. And yet I cannot remember the last time I have done that - or even devoted just an entire afternoon to playing with fabric and thread.
Sorry all - trying to not be such a gloomy gus in light of the fact that by Thursday we will be welcoming either Yo-she or Yo-he to the "family".
GLDNLUVLY - 01/19/10 01:24 PM
Honey[/b]-I'm not there to give you a friendly 'pop. LOOK HERE WOMAN. We are all admirers of your talent and skill. I'm in awe of the patience you have to do the work it takes to quilt not to mention your eye for color. If you don't enter something, then you'll never know. Maybe it's what you need to get off your duff and stretch your talents. Take the chance. We're here to encourage you and catch you. Believe me I know about being stuck. I'm anal about each batch of cookies that I bake. With the encouragement of you and the rest of our little family, I'm stepping out. Step out with me. Don't be afraid to show the world what an artist you are.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 01/19/10 01:40 PM
Honey, I read your post with great interest and know full well the plateau that creativity can hit. In my experience (considerable, I've drawn and sewn from age 4 or so...) these quiet times have this in common. Hope these points strike a chord or two.
1. a plateau usually follows intense activity.
2. creative people need new, exciting art work to look at.
3. a long drive works wonders to mull over ideas
4. go to B.orders, etc. Pick up every magazine in the arts and leisure activities to browse only.
very importantly...
5. set yourself a challenge. It could be "Design a monochrome color harmony. Shades and tints only of one color." "Design a texture piece. Abstract content, let textures speak for themselves." "Design a mixed media work to express the essence, but not the representation, of peace, love, hope, faith, etc."
At this time of regrouping creatively, spend no time on regrets for projects unfinished. In fact, bundle them up, out of sight.
This is a subject dear to my heart, as you can see. After a long break, I know my first oils, watercolors will be pretty bad. But oh! the third or fourth catches fire and sparks are everywhere. At first, just play. Spill dye on ribbon, shred the heck out of some satin, deliberately shrink an unwanted woolen sweater and use a cup of strong tea to see how much sepia stays in each fabric type, etc. etc.
It's hard to think about shows until you have something to say. You're a "material girl" - apologies to Madonna!- so let your fabric, ribbon, lace, buttons tell YOU what it all wants to say.
mrslynch - 01/19/10 04:12 PM
honey--i know exactly how you feel because i feel the same way about my writing. truth be told, i think i s.uck most days. but i'm starting to learn that i can't always compare myself to others and that someone, somewhere likes what i do (even if that person is my mom). you are amazingly talented and so what if you never win a competition? most people don't even try to do what you do. that is an accomplishment in and of itself.
phitigirl - 01/19/10 05:59 PM
Honey - If it makes you feel any better at all, I think your work is amazing. I don't even have to compare to a professional, I just compare my paltry offerings to the works of art that you create and am absolutely amazed. Just ask Keeker - her wall hanging was cute, but by no means perfect. In fact there were a lot of uneven stitches and some didn't even go where I wanted them to, but it was a work of love and that's what all your pieces are. Quilting is a work of art and art is never perfect. Each little idiosyncracy makes the piece more unique. So, while I understand your reluctance to compare your work to an expert, for those of us much further down on the creativity ladder, you're absolutely amazing!
SES_Books - 01/19/10 06:46 PM
Honey, I absolutely adore your "peacock quilt". It is beyond beautiful. You should definitely consider entering a show.
Honey, after talking about your quilts I thought I would go to your blog and check it for photos and was sent to your photobucket site but needed a password.
nitza19 - 01/19/10 07:16 PM
Honey:
I'm sure other people will handle the "love" part of the necessary response, so I am going to handle the "tough" part - You just shut up right now, woman! I have seen your work first hand (TOUCHED it, even, can you believe that, Ladies!), and lest you think I am just being overly nice because I know you, a) I don't do that (ha ha, ask around) and b) my mom and several other ladies in my family have been life-long quilters (and show-ers, too), so I am not wholly inexperienced in my evaluation. I have seen (and slept on, and washed, and watched repaired) hundreds of quilts, and your work is exemplary. The fine stitch work, the divine beading, the color choices - dramatic, each highlighting the other while all remaining harmonious - it was literally breathtaking.
You know so, so many things, my friend, but you clearly do not know the extent of your gift. I would not let anyone else say such things about you, and I will not let you, either! Shows are intense, and entering one's work (*especially* creative work) in any kind of atmosphere where it will be judged - shoot, it just about makes me hyperventilate. So please don't think that I am trying to discount the seriousness of entering. But whether you enter or not, you need to know that you have an absolute gift. If contests make it no fun for you, don't push them on yourself. But I hope you can rediscover the joy in something you do so astonishingly well. I know people who would give an arm for your talent (and not just those of us who are limited to button-sewing, lol).
startsmart - 01/19/10 08:29 PM
Honey - you've already won the prize of public opinion amongst these ladies. Don't insult our opinion, we're pretty darn smart now I COMPLETELY understand the risk involved in putting out in the world something I've created for the world to critique. It's da.mn scary I'll admit. So just for you, a preview of a post I write last night with this quote that is especially fitting.
dea_81 - 01/20/10 09:22 AM
Honey – I agree the few things of yours I have seen are amazing, but art isn’t about perfection. Try and find something that will inspire you. Is Ann interested at all in learning how to quilt/ sew?
sapphire12 - 01/20/10 11:35 AM
honey/3cats -- We are always our worst critic. Sometimes we also need to step out on faith to grow in our confidence.
Honeylioness - 01/20/10 04:46 PM
Ladies - Thank you for the comments and replies to my little breakdown yesterday both on the board and those sent to my e-mail. I did not reply last night because I was too busy being all teary eyed and emotional as I read them.
I think part of the "issue" is that I still have old "tapes" from when I was a kid that play inside my head about certain issues. Especially around the issue of "pride". I can close my eyes and see myself at perhaps four years old going to show my mother something I had drawn. She told me how pretty it was and then I turned to show her mother, my grandmother, who was sitting at the kitchen table with her. Her reaction? "You will be better when you learn more realistic color placement. Besides, we do not ask people for praise or boast about our own work M - it is vain and unattractive in a lady."
I am sure you can figure out how quickly those sort of comments can deflate a young child's sense of self esteem and pride in their accomplishments. To this day I still struggle with accepting praise, friends say I often either shrug off the comment, ignore the speaker or quickly change the subject. Another reason I think I may be afraid to put any of my babies "out there". Like startsmart's quote said - what if I am all these good and powerful things? Will I be able to enjoy them or will I hear the shrill voice of my grandmother in my head telling me how wrong it is to "brag" or "show off". Perhaps that should be my 2010 Resolution - killing that little voice.
startsmart - 01/20/10 05:07 PM
Honey- I think we all have those tapes playing in our heads. To me it's not so much killing that voice but addressing it with the reason of an adult instead of the hurt response that came from childhood. Adults and friends are happy to share in each other's accomplishments. We encourage one another and learn from each other. It is not vanity to be thankful for gifts we have been given and make no mistake Honey, your creativity and mind for sharing knowledge is a gift! It took me the better part of a year to relearn my response to praise at work. When someone said good job I would say 'no problem.' Eventually I learned to say 'you're welcome' or 'thank you' whilst looking them directly in the eye. It changed so much about my work relationships. Showing off is so much more than sharing, it's pushing something in another's face, demanding recognition and most of all it's a spirit of selfishness "look what I can do" in other words "look what you CAN'T do" I've never heard this attitude from you.
As far as the contests, I'm pretty competitive so I'd totally do it to win. But maybe a better perspective is to continue to share. You and other entrants are sharing your talents, your vision, your hard work with the group. The judges are sharing their opinions on that work. As long as you don't go all Tonya Harding on the competition...
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 01/20/10 06:31 PM
Honey, For sure, that's it. Grrrr. Honey, I think Grandma needs (needed) a time-out. What she may have forgotten in her zeal for "improvement" is:
1. We thrive on the best opinion of ourselves.
2. "Great! and getting even better!" gives wings to little artists.
3. Art development comes in stages. Young artists self-critique somewhere around 10-11 years of age.
3catslady - 01/20/10 07:41 PM
Honey; That must have been the "thing" in those times. My DOD, when he read the story I wrote for entrance to Children's Literature Program, told me no one would ever read my stuff because it was dumb. I didn't enter the story so now I will never know if I could write stories or not. You all like my poems but I haven't shown them to any body else. So do I take your word that they are good and see if I can get into the course, or just wish I had?
One of my projects-to-do is start a blog. I know Honey said she would help me. I want to start playing around with excel. I want to get a printer for my machine. I want so many things that I really should start a wish list and see how I can get started. I did wish for a sewing machine and I did get one for nothing. And it has never been out of the box.
teh mom - 01/20/10 07:58 PM
Honey-every time you hear that little voice...... .picture each and every one of us standing behind it plunging all types of sharp objects into it because we know you are fantastic at EVERY thing you do.......the little voice didn't/doesn't know what it is/was saying.
Honey[/b]-How are the kitties these days? Also, what projects are you working on? I know nitza was lucky enough to see some of your beautiful work in person.
Honeylioness - 01/19/10 01:11 PM
GLDNLUVLY [/b]- Well, the kitties are fine. Why shouldn't they be? All they "have" to do is move their furry behinds from the couch to a chair to the food dish and back again - with the occasional trip to the litter box. I want such a life!!!!
As to any projects currently in the works - *sigh* I wish you hadn't asked me that. I am feeling incredibly "stuck" creatively - and have been for a while. I think part of it is just feeling a bit overwhelmed by Fraulein at the moment and not having much energy or "spark" when I get home to do more than deal with her, make dinner and go to bed.
But the other part is my own issues. I feel as though I have reached a place where I am never happy with whatever I do creatively. I see these amazing pieces in magazines, electronic newsletters and shows - and I just feel as though I will never be able to produce anything of that caliber. That my work will never be good enough, or perfect enough, to enter into a show - much less ever win a prize. I have about a third of my "Renewal of the Saints" quilt pieces done - but have not worked on it in months. I try to not compare my work to that of the "professionals" - but even a lot of the "amateur" stuff I see is just overwhelming. I know I should not care whether anyone else but me likes it. That I should not be so concerned with every "dot and tittle" as my grandmother would say - but with expressing something of me. But it's hard.
A part of me would like to finally take the plunge and enter one piece into a "real" show - just to say I did it. But then I begin to stress over this too long stitch, or that slightly off center piece of fabric, and I find myself just giving up. And then I feel badly because it USED to give me such joy and I could sew for hours on end. And yet I cannot remember the last time I have done that - or even devoted just an entire afternoon to playing with fabric and thread.
Sorry all - trying to not be such a gloomy gus in light of the fact that by Thursday we will be welcoming either Yo-she or Yo-he to the "family".
GLDNLUVLY - 01/19/10 01:24 PM
Honey[/b]-I'm not there to give you a friendly 'pop. LOOK HERE WOMAN. We are all admirers of your talent and skill. I'm in awe of the patience you have to do the work it takes to quilt not to mention your eye for color. If you don't enter something, then you'll never know. Maybe it's what you need to get off your duff and stretch your talents. Take the chance. We're here to encourage you and catch you. Believe me I know about being stuck. I'm anal about each batch of cookies that I bake. With the encouragement of you and the rest of our little family, I'm stepping out. Step out with me. Don't be afraid to show the world what an artist you are.
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 01/19/10 01:40 PM
Honey, I read your post with great interest and know full well the plateau that creativity can hit. In my experience (considerable, I've drawn and sewn from age 4 or so...) these quiet times have this in common. Hope these points strike a chord or two.
1. a plateau usually follows intense activity.
2. creative people need new, exciting art work to look at.
3. a long drive works wonders to mull over ideas
4. go to B.orders, etc. Pick up every magazine in the arts and leisure activities to browse only.
very importantly...
5. set yourself a challenge. It could be "Design a monochrome color harmony. Shades and tints only of one color." "Design a texture piece. Abstract content, let textures speak for themselves." "Design a mixed media work to express the essence, but not the representation, of peace, love, hope, faith, etc."
At this time of regrouping creatively, spend no time on regrets for projects unfinished. In fact, bundle them up, out of sight.
This is a subject dear to my heart, as you can see. After a long break, I know my first oils, watercolors will be pretty bad. But oh! the third or fourth catches fire and sparks are everywhere. At first, just play. Spill dye on ribbon, shred the heck out of some satin, deliberately shrink an unwanted woolen sweater and use a cup of strong tea to see how much sepia stays in each fabric type, etc. etc.
It's hard to think about shows until you have something to say. You're a "material girl" - apologies to Madonna!- so let your fabric, ribbon, lace, buttons tell YOU what it all wants to say.
mrslynch - 01/19/10 04:12 PM
honey--i know exactly how you feel because i feel the same way about my writing. truth be told, i think i s.uck most days. but i'm starting to learn that i can't always compare myself to others and that someone, somewhere likes what i do (even if that person is my mom). you are amazingly talented and so what if you never win a competition? most people don't even try to do what you do. that is an accomplishment in and of itself.
phitigirl - 01/19/10 05:59 PM
Honey - If it makes you feel any better at all, I think your work is amazing. I don't even have to compare to a professional, I just compare my paltry offerings to the works of art that you create and am absolutely amazed. Just ask Keeker - her wall hanging was cute, but by no means perfect. In fact there were a lot of uneven stitches and some didn't even go where I wanted them to, but it was a work of love and that's what all your pieces are. Quilting is a work of art and art is never perfect. Each little idiosyncracy makes the piece more unique. So, while I understand your reluctance to compare your work to an expert, for those of us much further down on the creativity ladder, you're absolutely amazing!
SES_Books - 01/19/10 06:46 PM
Honey, I absolutely adore your "peacock quilt". It is beyond beautiful. You should definitely consider entering a show.
Honey, after talking about your quilts I thought I would go to your blog and check it for photos and was sent to your photobucket site but needed a password.
nitza19 - 01/19/10 07:16 PM
Honey:
I just feel as though I will never be able to produce anything of that caliber. That my work will never be good enough, or perfect enough, to enter into a show - much less ever win a prize.
I'm sure other people will handle the "love" part of the necessary response, so I am going to handle the "tough" part - You just shut up right now, woman! I have seen your work first hand (TOUCHED it, even, can you believe that, Ladies!), and lest you think I am just being overly nice because I know you, a) I don't do that (ha ha, ask around) and b) my mom and several other ladies in my family have been life-long quilters (and show-ers, too), so I am not wholly inexperienced in my evaluation. I have seen (and slept on, and washed, and watched repaired) hundreds of quilts, and your work is exemplary. The fine stitch work, the divine beading, the color choices - dramatic, each highlighting the other while all remaining harmonious - it was literally breathtaking.
You know so, so many things, my friend, but you clearly do not know the extent of your gift. I would not let anyone else say such things about you, and I will not let you, either! Shows are intense, and entering one's work (*especially* creative work) in any kind of atmosphere where it will be judged - shoot, it just about makes me hyperventilate. So please don't think that I am trying to discount the seriousness of entering. But whether you enter or not, you need to know that you have an absolute gift. If contests make it no fun for you, don't push them on yourself. But I hope you can rediscover the joy in something you do so astonishingly well. I know people who would give an arm for your talent (and not just those of us who are limited to button-sewing, lol).
startsmart - 01/19/10 08:29 PM
Honey - you've already won the prize of public opinion amongst these ladies. Don't insult our opinion, we're pretty darn smart now I COMPLETELY understand the risk involved in putting out in the world something I've created for the world to critique. It's da.mn scary I'll admit. So just for you, a preview of a post I write last night with this quote that is especially fitting.
My deepest fear is not that I am inadequate. My deepest fear is that I am powerful beyond measure. It is my light, not my darkness, that frightens me. I ask myself, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and famous?" Actually, who am I not to be?.... My playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around me. It's not just in me; it's in everyone. And as I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As I am liberated from my own fear, my presence automatically liberates others. ~Marianne Williamson
dea_81 - 01/20/10 09:22 AM
Honey – I agree the few things of yours I have seen are amazing, but art isn’t about perfection. Try and find something that will inspire you. Is Ann interested at all in learning how to quilt/ sew?
sapphire12 - 01/20/10 11:35 AM
honey/3cats -- We are always our worst critic. Sometimes we also need to step out on faith to grow in our confidence.
Honeylioness - 01/20/10 04:46 PM
Ladies - Thank you for the comments and replies to my little breakdown yesterday both on the board and those sent to my e-mail. I did not reply last night because I was too busy being all teary eyed and emotional as I read them.
I think part of the "issue" is that I still have old "tapes" from when I was a kid that play inside my head about certain issues. Especially around the issue of "pride". I can close my eyes and see myself at perhaps four years old going to show my mother something I had drawn. She told me how pretty it was and then I turned to show her mother, my grandmother, who was sitting at the kitchen table with her. Her reaction? "You will be better when you learn more realistic color placement. Besides, we do not ask people for praise or boast about our own work M - it is vain and unattractive in a lady."
I am sure you can figure out how quickly those sort of comments can deflate a young child's sense of self esteem and pride in their accomplishments. To this day I still struggle with accepting praise, friends say I often either shrug off the comment, ignore the speaker or quickly change the subject. Another reason I think I may be afraid to put any of my babies "out there". Like startsmart's quote said - what if I am all these good and powerful things? Will I be able to enjoy them or will I hear the shrill voice of my grandmother in my head telling me how wrong it is to "brag" or "show off". Perhaps that should be my 2010 Resolution - killing that little voice.
startsmart - 01/20/10 05:07 PM
Honey- I think we all have those tapes playing in our heads. To me it's not so much killing that voice but addressing it with the reason of an adult instead of the hurt response that came from childhood. Adults and friends are happy to share in each other's accomplishments. We encourage one another and learn from each other. It is not vanity to be thankful for gifts we have been given and make no mistake Honey, your creativity and mind for sharing knowledge is a gift! It took me the better part of a year to relearn my response to praise at work. When someone said good job I would say 'no problem.' Eventually I learned to say 'you're welcome' or 'thank you' whilst looking them directly in the eye. It changed so much about my work relationships. Showing off is so much more than sharing, it's pushing something in another's face, demanding recognition and most of all it's a spirit of selfishness "look what I can do" in other words "look what you CAN'T do" I've never heard this attitude from you.
As far as the contests, I'm pretty competitive so I'd totally do it to win. But maybe a better perspective is to continue to share. You and other entrants are sharing your talents, your vision, your hard work with the group. The judges are sharing their opinions on that work. As long as you don't go all Tonya Harding on the competition...
Sharing the Simple Lifestyle - 01/20/10 06:31 PM
Honey, For sure, that's it. Grrrr. Honey, I think Grandma needs (needed) a time-out. What she may have forgotten in her zeal for "improvement" is:
1. We thrive on the best opinion of ourselves.
2. "Great! and getting even better!" gives wings to little artists.
3. Art development comes in stages. Young artists self-critique somewhere around 10-11 years of age.
3catslady - 01/20/10 07:41 PM
Honey; That must have been the "thing" in those times. My DOD, when he read the story I wrote for entrance to Children's Literature Program, told me no one would ever read my stuff because it was dumb. I didn't enter the story so now I will never know if I could write stories or not. You all like my poems but I haven't shown them to any body else. So do I take your word that they are good and see if I can get into the course, or just wish I had?
One of my projects-to-do is start a blog. I know Honey said she would help me. I want to start playing around with excel. I want to get a printer for my machine. I want so many things that I really should start a wish list and see how I can get started. I did wish for a sewing machine and I did get one for nothing. And it has never been out of the box.
teh mom - 01/20/10 07:58 PM
Perhaps that should be my 2010 Resolution - killing that little voice.
Honey-every time you hear that little voice...... .picture each and every one of us standing behind it plunging all types of sharp objects into it because we know you are fantastic at EVERY thing you do.......the little voice didn't/doesn't know what it is/was saying.