Sunday, October 12, 2008

Out of my element

I am stepping waaaay out my element (namely quilts) to try something of an 'arty' nature. First, I will make it very clear -- I KNOW nothing about art, except I enjoy looking, thinking, watching etc. Occasionally I am struck with an idea, or have a glimmer of a thought, or am tempted by a tingling of an idea. Another guild member and I suggested the idea of an Art Group to the Guild, and it was approved to have an "Ardis Wannabe" group (artist want-to-be). We (Joan and I) put words into a basket and at each meeting, one word is drawn. The project is based on that word. All those who care to participate will produce a finished art piece in ONE month. Yes, ONE month. This is to get our brains flowing, and not stagnated by too many concepts, ideas, possibilities. It has to be DONE the next month. Of course, small is expected, but DONE is best. The only rule was that it had to contain fiber - we didn't say how much. No other rules.

My own project was a lot more clever in my head than the end result. I am being very brave showing my pitiful effort, hoping that in time, I'll get better. I started and restarted about 7 times, changing background, colors, concepte, etc. Whew, getting frustrated is the hardest part and then, it is even MORE difficult to FORCE oneself to try again. I had words printed on fabric for this project, sewn on, but later removed them (so much for my expensive fabric sheets at $3.00 each! I had planned to fuse bright flowers here and there but that was entirely too cutesy.

And no matter how I worked, it ended up looking like a quilted wall hanging, which is totally NOT what I wanted!

This word is "Friends" .. I had some vague idea of layers in each friend's personality, friends in a busy world (background) that larger greyish thing is a manipulated photo (Paintshop Pro) of me (the same as in on my blog profile)with Friends surrounding me, and I also put one of my DH behind me, also manipulated (watch it! LOL) Yes, I am thinking THAT 'manipulated' part was planned! Vertical layout was much better than horizontal.

And it appears I left a black thread on my photo! Well, it IS finished, and I'll try again next month.

20 comments:

  1. I think you did a great job! We all have to start somewhere. If you enjoyed it and you learned things about yourself then it's a huge victory! I'd hang that piece on my wall.

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  2. Okay, quit beating yourself up. I think it is great. I can't wait to what you come up with after some more practice.

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  3. oh well done. Like I say is there no end to your talents :)

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  4. Good for you for trying something new! I LIKE your project!

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  5. It looks great to me, Elaine! It's maybe not what you wanted, but it's finished and that in itself is an accomplishment!

    I think the first attempt at a new 'technique' or concept is the hardest. Now that you have that out of the way, maybe the next one will "flow" better! What the heck, it's only a little time and a little fabric. Just play!

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  6. I like it very much. Anyone can be an artist. You just have to call yourself an artist and you are one. Trying something new is so liberating even if it doesn't end up as you had planned. That's what it's all about.

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  7. "I don't know art, but I know what I like", and I like yours. I think it is a wonderful statement, and I'd hang it on the wall, too. I would think that it would make your DH warm and fuzzy.

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  8. I love to try new things. That is the joy of it all - feeding our creative nature.

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  9. Good for you! for experimenting ... for playing ... for partaking.

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  10. I think you were very brave, Elaine ... an the outcome is certainly great!
    Hugs - Lurline.

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  11. I think "Friends" is cute & definitely very artsy! I see that you also list The Piano as a fave movie, wasn't the scenery stunning, that's NZ for you & I have the soundtrack, loved the music!
    Not sure what happened on my blog-I had really struggled with that post, grrrrrrr!
    Roslyn

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  12. way to step out of the box dear Elaine! Nice job!

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  13. Good for you being brave and trying something new and then posting it!! It looks great and gives the rest of us courage to try :) I look at Quilting Arts and want to try "Artsy" but it is sooo far out of my comfort zone...

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  14. You might not have had ArtQuilt classes but you know about contrast and balance and using the colorwheel to make your choices pleasing to the eye.

    Diana

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  15. I am certainly not an artist but I say if you've had a good time and learned something then it is a successful piece of art. Oh good, we get to see you artwork on a monthly basis right? Something to look forward to!

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  16. Very impressive! Nothing wrong with that!!

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  17. Well good for you for expanding your horizons! I think it is great.
    Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  18. Hi, I just started reading your blog. I love your stories. I am new to quilting and you are giving me inspiration to go out of what little comfort zone I have. Thanks!1

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  19. wow..I totally didn't see the face..til I saw the picture..wonderful wallhanging. Love the bright colors...
    DEB};o

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  20. Good for you! This is a very cool piece.

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