Daily chores such as dishes and dinners turn mundane and repetitive in days of sheltering at home. When I am quiet and focused, I become thankful for more time to art and more time to reflect. Finishing old projects gives a feeling of accomplishment. Beginning new projects, exploring new ideas adds purpose and confirms a need to create.
The latest challenge completed for a SAQA Entry Regional Exhibition: Artists in Residence: Sheltering in the Time of the Pandemic is a 12 by 12 piece titled "Dreams of M.C." The show is scheduled to open at Blue Line Arts, 405 Veron Street, Roseville, CA on November 20, 2020, closing January 2, 2021.
The piece was a combination of ideas ... a photo of my hand printed on fabric and free motion stitched, a block derived from an vintage textile pattern, old linen rusted and used to piece the block. Hand stitching finished the quilting of the piece. The concept of incorporating a hand within a hand stitched piece was begot from a SAQA challenge of what we do when shelter at home during a world pandemic. I am doing more art and taking time to explore hand stitching. It is a slower process.
While I miss friends and family and weekly groups, Zoom has become a saving grace. The technology keeps me in touch with art groups and meetings. Our guild, Desert Quilters of Nevada, recently offered a live zoom course on-line. The advantages of having fabrics, sewing machines, and notions outweighed not having a class at all. When creating or learning something new, I revert to my introvert self. The quiet of my own space worked great for me.
Mel Beach was our instructor. She is well versed in Zoom technology and was prepared with examples and step by step instruction. She answered questions on the spot and repeated instructions when requested with clarity and patience. The six hour class was split into three hours a day, one day each week. Having time to explore the technique was a benefit to me. Lastly, I enjoyed seeing folks I had missed these last six months.
My piece from Mel's class was constructed using old shirt material. The inner blue triangles are commercial fabric. It measures 25 inches across from point to point. I love this piece; it holds a sentimental marker. The shirts were from my dad. He passed away years ago and the material designs remind me of him.
I read somewhere that “the sum of your life is what you pay attention
to.” So, in these days of our world pandemic, what do you pay attention
to?
Stay safe, stay well, and stay creative!
