Saturday, October 14, 2017

Cacti and Stitches

Hello Friends,

My husband and I went to an Antiques Marketplace in New Hampshire recently, and I came home with this sweet dish garden of succulents. The elderly couple who sold it to us seemed really delighted with the sale, which made it seem all the sweeter.


Honestly,  I've been feeling a bit down in the dumps lately. I try to stay "up",  realizing that others have far worse problems than I have, but the constant negativity in politics, plus the strain of dealing with a family member with dementia has been taking its toll on me. Also, I've been doing a lot of thinking about my artwork, as I skip around from one medium to another, trying different things. I'm often influenced by what I see on Pinterest or Instagram and get too engrossed in the work of other creatives, admiring and praising their work, while being unsure about my own. I'd like to find one medium I love (I'm pretty sure it's fabric!) and stick with it.

What keep me going are my classes with Amy, and my Thursday morning stitch group - creative women working and laughing together. A few friends and I meet at Amy's house on Tuesday nights, taking a continuous stream of classes. There are usually little dogs under our feet, cats making rare appearances, and a parrot or two talking (or singing) in the background. In our last class, Amy made a digital copy on fabric of a photo chosen by each of us. I chose a print of Matisse's "Goldfish Bowl". I stitched the goldfish with some slightly metallic thread, which gave them a little shimmer. I'm still working on the leaves and will post the finished piece when it's done. Our next class, which begins this week, is an introduction to weaving.



And finally, that Thursday morning stitch group I mentioned has moved from our friend Susie's dining room, to a cottage she had built in her back yard. She named it "Freedom Cottage", filled it with a large table and chairs, sewing and ironing tables and two comfy armchairs. I made her this fabric picture as a "cottage warming" gift. Such a charming place for our meetings!


We're moving into cooler weather, although warmer days keep popping up. Soon enough the snow will come, so I'm planning to get out and enjoy these fall days as much as possible!

Here's wishing you a wonderful week to come!

8 comments:

Simone said...

I am sorry you have been feeling down in the dumps Judy. I have felt like this so often over the years that recently I decided to take control of my life again. Obviously there are factors outside of my control but I CAN choose what I eat, how I treat my body, how I treat other people, what I decide to read and listen to, what to embrace what to ignore etc. Now I feel as though I have hold of the reins again I feel so much more empowered! Do not doubt your skill as an artist Judy. You produce beautiful work and I love the little fishes with the metallic thread and the wonderful gift of freedom cottage - an extremely thoughtful present. I think when creating becomes a chore it is time to stop and do something else! I am yet to find my 'medium' but am happy to dip in and out of all kinds of creative hobbies. Have a lovely week. x

sharon said...

hugs from SW Wisconsin coming your way.

Unknown said...

It is understandable about the mood shifts...you have a lot on your plate,not to mention it is now dark at 6pm! That doesn't help. You create beautiful work, no matter what you do, and I am grateful that you come to class. Maybe tonight Toby can sit on your lap and cheer you up! lololol. Hang in there!!xx

Karen L R said...

Oh, buddy...these are rough times and challenging for anyone with an open heart. Know that there are kindred spirits all over the world, yearning for better days. Each of us can take turns lighting the way for others, and stepping back when we need to rest. Sending you love and light and encouragement. xo

Debra Dixon said...

I always look forward to your comments of encouragement Judy!

If you want my opinion, do more work like the freedom cottage piece. It is wonderful and suits you so well.

xoxox

Anne Butera said...

Sending love and thoughts of joy your way, Judy. It's hard to stay positive when so many things are pulling you down. I had some really down days a couple weeks ago and I tried to remind myself I had nothing to feel down about in comparison to so many others. In truth, though, we can't help how we feel. You'll find your way back to the light, my friend.

I'm so glad to know you're finding joy in your classes and your stitch group. Skipping around to different media and ways of creating isn't a bad thing, as long as you are enjoying it. I think fabric is your medium, but you're also so good at sketching... no reason you can't do both (and other things, too). You are creative and talented and curious... all wonderful things to be!

Have a lovely rest of your weekend and a great week. Happy Halloween!!

JenniferRipplespeak said...

I've missed it here:)
Oh how I love your bright fish swimming in that inviting water.
Gorgeous. And your header - that is so cool:)
So sorry to hear of the pain in your life. It finds us, doesn't it.
Trouble. Such a part of the tapestry.
Thanks for sharing your heart. Sending love and tenderness.
With you,
Jennifer

Fiona said...

Hello! Just saw your blog through looking at the AEDM participants!!!

I have never heard of a fabric painting before, and I'm really kind of intrigued! How is this done?