I was doing a bit of art/business housekeeping this week and came to the realization that this edition marks 7 months of weekly posts. I don’t know if that fact surprises you — but it certainly surprises me.
Test Swatch / Wrapped resist
I jumped into this endeavor by metaphorically closing my eyes and holding my breath. With no real clue where it would lead or how it would pan out, my greatest hope was that having a blog would be worth the time and energy — and that I wouldn’t embarrass myself.
Test Swatch / Textile paint
So it has been a lovely surprise to realize just how much I have gleaned from this commitment — most of it totally unexpected. And as with the test swatches I’m using today as illustrations, one can’t really know for sure what will happen with any project until you dive in, holding tight to a sense of faith that there are plenty of good lessons to be learned by giving it a try.
If I had to pick one word that best describes the benefit of following through on this weekly exercise, it would be “focus”. It’s a challenge and a luxury to hone in on a single idea per week, with the intent of sharing it coherently with others.
Test Swatch / Stitched resist, Textile paint, Hand embroidery
Initially, I thought the point would be to gain greater exposure for my art. But what I didn’t anticipate is that this blog has also become an avenue to assist me with better defining my work for myself.
Test Swatch / Wrapped resist
A blog has an element of accountability that works two ways: First, I have a responsibility to myself to find something to write about that will leaving me feeling satisfied that I have learned from the exercise, whether or not it’s read by anyone else. In addition, I have a responsibility to you, knowing that your time is precious and it is a privilege that you are sharing it with me by reading what I have to say.
Test Swatch / Textile paint, Hand embroidery
And that brings me to the meat of this week’s post: Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to check in, some of you faithfully each week. Thank you for sharing your comments, your support, and your knowledge — whether you choose to do so publicly or privately.
Test Swatch / Textile paint, Hand embroidery
And thank you for your part in helping me realize that the leap was well-worth taking.
I’ll see you next week…
I’ve not followed your blog for long, but this post alone makes whatever time I’ve spent here all worthwhile. The illustrations are stunning and your sense of who you are, especially relative to those of us following you, is inspiring. ThankYOU!
What a lovely thing to say, John. I think it is the connections we make with other artists that really feeds the fire.
I love the way the embroidery really is very bold and distinct. A new twist. I would love to know the sizes of the pieces. These little studies are very exciting. Bravo girl. See you next week.
All these swatches are pretty small – in the neighborhood of 8 x 10 in. It’s fun to take the time to play around!
I love that you do the blog. I look forward to it weekly.
I think the sample pieces are really exciting. Keep it all up.
You’re such a great supporter Judy! Do you find yourself making samples?