Yes, one does wonder if it ever ends. What, you might ask? Well the seemingly never-ending landscapes I seem to be doing! Resident Chef chose this one for me to play with next...
Another wonderful photo from
Dale Stewart
and used with his more than kind
permission
And yes, one wonders why this compulsion to make these doesn't come to a screeching halt. I have no use for them. I have no further wall space to hang them. The storage area I have for them is overflowing. My kids are not going to thank me when they end up having to deal with them when I'm gone. Makes one wonder at the sanity of a person who knows they're spending all these hours creating something that is more than likely destined for a landfill. Yeah, it's depressing to contemplate that, but you will notice it's not stopping me from making them!
I noticed several people on the Pincushion Parade were showing their pincushion collections so I thought I'd add a photo of mine for you to see...
The mug, the owl and the one made from the napkin ring on the lower right were all gifts. The one in the middle back I made using a wooden salad bowl and metal napkin rings (the idea was that I would sort my needles according to size/use into each 'petal' of the flower. Ummm - noble thought, that). The one on the back right is a favourite and the one I use every day - knitted by moi. And the square one features a crocheted piece that was made by my grandmother....I made several of those last year for Christmas gifts.
And...Resident Chef was busy in the kitchen over the weekend making amazing Sourdough English Muffins which are NOT good for the results showing up on the weigh scales! But, don't they look good?....
Hi Mary Anne,
ReplyDeleteYou're so right about the creating of more fabric pictures. I make quilts. I don't sell them, and in the main I make them for friends and family. Sometimes though I make them because I love the design or the fabric, or the task of trying to make something new. So I now have a stack of quilts that are not going anywhere. Why do we do it? I think it is the love of creation, and the achievement of pushing oneself to make it.
We can get lost in art, all types of art, doesn't matter whether other people love it, but as long as we do, then that's all that matters. Through this lock-down, I haven't found any reason to be bored, as I love craft, as you do, I know, and there is always something we can turn our hands to, which is great! :-)
Have a lovely day, Val (UK)
Hi Val
DeleteI know what you mean about making things for family and friends, but I think you're right in that it comes down to the love of creation. That's what DH says too - he's always saying that if I love doing it then carry on (but then again, he's a charter subscriber to the 'happy wife, happy life' theory).
And you're right - we rarely are bored!
Ha...love your pincushion collection. I think I have the same collection except for the large petal one. Do you suppose we are just a little obsessed????
ReplyDeleteObsessed? Us? Never!
DeleteIt looks like work designed for corporate space. They have art in the budget. Ive made corporate sales, not as expensive as his, but the checks clearly reflected the line item. They don't always commission work. Mine were bought out of corporate exhibits.
ReplyDeleteI have one pin cushion, a gift, made from a lovely old china demitasse cup. Now I'm wondering if I can use my little stitched pillow, name of the style escapes, me, the kind where it's constructed so the corners are turned to the middle, if you follow me. I made it years ago, a doll's been sitting on it, but she can share.
Yes, I suspect his work is designed for corporate installations. Would certainly be interesting to know how many he sells and I'd be curious to know if he creates much smaller works for the ordinary person to buy.
DeleteOh dear - I seriously doubt there will be any sharing going on over that pincushion. We both know how territorial those D's can be!! (and it's called, I think, a biscornu).
Creativity is like childbirth - you just have to push it out when it wants to be born. And the process is much more fun, LOL. I think DH picked a great image for you to translate to cloth with your magic touch!
ReplyDeleteHah - I like that! Creativity is like childbirth, how true! This one, by the time I'm done, might be equal to a 10 lb. baby!
DeleteThose English muffins look super yummy to me..I've never made them..
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely picture for a landscape--I ask myself the same question about quilts and table toppers...
who will even want them...that's ok I love making them...reason enough in these difficult days...
Hugs from afar Julierose (aka the "reverter")hahaha
Resident Chef said they were easy to make but a little fiddly in that they took a bit of time. He has lots of that so he didn't mind the making (and I certainly don't mind the eating!).
DeleteYes, these days we need to have our creative outlets to keep us busy.
As long as you are enjoying what you're doing keep at it. One day you may have a one woman show. I'm sure you're learning as you go along and trying new things so it's all worth it. Nice collection of pincushions too!
ReplyDeleteHmmm - a one woman show - scary thought! I have to say I'm definitely learning as I go though so that's a good thing I guess. This one is going to be a huge challenge I think.
DeleteKeep making your fabulous Barns, MA. You get much enjoyment creating them, the Resident Chef has a happy wife and going by Comments here, there are more than me awaiting each new addition and barn. yumm! Sourdough muffins sound fabulous.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and it's most important that the Resident Chef has a happy wife (and he'll be the first to tell you that!). Barns, churches, schools and vehicles - they all make me happy!
DeleteYour resident chef has good taste, in scenes, and you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't thought about where my art will go when I'm gone. For sure my funny little found object sculptures will see the landfill. I guess I best dress up my stuff along guilt trip lines just in case. lol
awww - I'm going to tell him you said that! I guess there's something to be said for being together for over 40 years.
DeleteAs for where our art will end up - I guess we'll be gone and we won't care what happens to it. Somehow I don't think mine will ever be as valuable as a Van Gogh.
Love your landscape quilts! When things get back to whatever normal is you should look for places to sell them. Here our local Starbucks has display space, sometimes the library, my hairdresser (I am only 3 haircuts behind) displays people’s artwork. They are really lovely .... love the truck in your header!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the area I live in has quite limited options when it comes to public display. The one shop downtown that did closed prior to the virus. We have a coffee shop downtown but they're not interested, preferring to display items from their chosen group of artists. I checked into a couple of the semi-local art gallery/craft shops and they want way more than I can afford even to put items on display - plus they want a cut off anything that sells on top of that. The only other option is perhaps a craft show but they won't be happening while all this other 'stuff' is going on and I would have to invest in some sort of display racks - another thing I'm not willing to do (primarily because storage space here is at a premium).
DeleteI know all about the behind in haircuts thing - but I'm lucky that Resident Chef is willing to tackle mine. Haven't scared any little children and dogs yet so I guess it doesn't look too bad.
Your wall hangings are amazing and you should have your own show in a gallery. You could also sell them on a craft/handmade website such as Etsy. Or, create an artist's Facebook page. I have one called Cloth Doll Maker's Diary and I have a shop on the page to sell what I make if I choose to.
ReplyDeleteRe making stuff. I'm the same about making cloth dolls. They will still be there after I'm gone and who knows what will happen to them but I'm still compelled to create them. It makes me happy and gives me something to do:) I think I'd go nuts if I couldn't create something....LOL
Yes, it is a compulsion to create isn't it. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't play with fabric and yarn because it does make me happy.
DeleteCreating for your own enjoyment and satisfaction, is a reward in itself. If something sells, so be it. Good luck. Thanks for the links.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right Judy - it IS rewarding and fun. Just hard when you only have a limited space in an apartment and storage is an issue.
DeleteOh My Dear...It s the excitement and challenge of creatng something truly one-of-a-kind and amazing. You look forward to the next landscape each time. You could have a trunk show (and sale) at specialty stores or galleries that honor Works of HeArt. Awww that little knitted flower has such a sweet personality. Blessings...<3
ReplyDeleteGalleries (at least the local ones here) require a large financial fee before they will even consider hanging your work and then most of them also want a cut of any possible sales. In order to cover those costs I'd have to raise my prices even more and that would defeat the entire purpose. It's a no-win situation there.
DeleteWhat a pretty picture to provide inspiration for your newest landscape quilt. One thing I'm sure of, these lovely creations of yours will not end up in a landfill. They will get passed on, or passed along, but they will always be admired - I'm sure of that.
ReplyDeleteOur family members don't have much interest in what I do - they each have chosen...and have received....a landscape they liked but beyond that I know they have no space for them. I'm not about to worry about what they do with my 'stuff' - after all, I won't be here to give them grief!
Delete