Studio
In my Studio things are coming to an end on the Mermaid commission. I am both excited and sad. This quilt has been a great teacher of wait and see. I have learned so much each time I pin a new piece to the design wall. This is probably my favorite thing about art making. As a lifelong learner I am committed to the ongoing mastery of my craft which may actually be why I make art. I’ve been thinking a lot about my brand and my art making. Who I am. Where I am heading.. What I want and what I dream about doing.
These ponderings came alongside an interview for Shoutout Atlanta’s “Hidden Gems” column (will be out later this week or next). Because I was overthinking the interview - it is what I am known for. I ended up accidentally answering a bunch of questions I didn’t need to answer. I misread the instructions (typical). I am, however, choosing to see the countless hours I spent working on my answers as an opportunity to think about things I don’t normally spend much time thinking about. This was my favorite unpublished question and response.
“What is the most important factor behind your success/ the success of your brand?”
I think the most important factor is that I show up and work hard to continue to be better at my craft. The great masters became masters by learning and developing their skills. They obsessively hone their craft. You cannot become a master without constant practice. You cannot become a master if you are not willing to learn from your mistakes. A true craftsperson knows you must be learning and studying all the time - especially when you do not want to or when it is hard. There are many little things a true artisan does as they create that are unique to them. The intricate personal touches are what make a piece great. The special details are how you know who wove them when the signature fades. I like to think that as I stitch these moment in time that I too am on the path to mastery - if such a thing exists I don’t care.. I hope the path is forward.
As I get ready to pull this piece off the design wall I can see the layers that led to the development of it. The years of looking at shapes and lines. I can see my first forays in quilt making. I can see just how far I have come in design and creation. I feel like I am just beginning to scratch the surface of what is possible in the mastery of my craft and I am so excited for what lies ahead.
For now, I will be obsessively trying to come up with a system to help me remember exactly where everything goes and dreaming of the hand embroidery that will bring this story to an end. Stay tuned.