I M Perfect lady

My Art and I

As I look upon the heap of quilts that I created on my couch, I wondered about the actual benefits of doing Art. Where in the process does is the actual therapy involved? I used to believe, it gave me agency, when I felt I had none. Now, I am wondering just how it enhances my life.

Is it when your Art is in a Gallery, or in an Art Show?

Both of these events are kinda nerve wracking, for you are displaying what feels like your inner being.

At times when I see the whole pile, it feels like over indulgence or perhaps a manic behavior.

Is my mental being on display in my art and what is it saying?

I think about how I feel doing Art and it feels like an escape or perhaps a break from mind chatter. It is a present moment activity.

Would then the pile on the couch indicate the many hours of peace and present moments I have had?

Am I seeing piles of therapy hours in art form?

Therapy hours that now will be making their way to the Art Stroll in Marquette.

Therapy hours that mostly are women being, moving and enjoying life.

Am I still subconsciously creating where I am in my world?

I think I thought, that art was giving to me, but maybe it is a place for me.

A place where I can disappear, to appear.

Appear in a fantasy of colors, shapes and designs; to be a creator or one in control.

Life unfolds in ways we have no control over and I must feel a relief of some sort to be in in control while doing art.

Putting colors and contrasting fabrics together, making them be in harmony with each other. Making strong and empowered women doing what they love, gives me the permission to do the same.

And, I see my art as imperfect.

It wouldn't pass muster with the Quilt Police.

My art in its casual form allows me to be me and not follow what others believe I should or shouldn't be doing.

Living life imperfectly, my art and I!

Art & Quilts, Art shows

Published by

bjukuri

Responses

Judy Byykkonen

May 22, 2019 at 8:59 am

To me- you are like a Klee, a Hemingway, a Mozart… All geniuses in their particular field of expression- creating from the soul… no rules involved….

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Joan M. Miron

May 22, 2019 at 9:13 am

Your art doesn’t have a figuring out point, it just is, just like you are being each day. That is what came to my mind as I read your blog. Maybe it is like the statement, I am. During the time of creation it is all about what if, do I like it, do I question, do I feel free or confined, it’s everything and nothing. Writing this down makes me feel good about my art and happy for you with your art. The purpose is so complex and simple at the same time that the compulsion to create touches every aspect of our life. Even when I am feeling empty and unwilling to get past the traps my inner critic hands me, I know that deep inside I will rebel and find a way out of the maze to enjoy and create…even if it is about what depresses me or lashes out at the world around me. It is imperfect and the art rounds me out enough to celebrate the good and witness the sad and my fears. Love your work, Beth, and love the evolution of your life. Joanie

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I M Perfect

May 22, 2019 at 1:37 pm

Thanks! I love that there are no rules and I can be an imperfect quilter and artist. Oh, and person.

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I M Perfect

May 22, 2019 at 1:39 pm

I love this. I only ponder it all, as it is about to enter into a new stage OR when I see it all piled up. Like hours of therapy in one spot. It felt over indulgent. Although, I know it is typically a Sunday activity and only for part of the day.
Thanks for sharing your words.
I agree, art just is.
And, so accepting to what we bring to it and how we feel.

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Keddy Ann Outlaw

May 25, 2019 at 9:39 am

I go through the same thoughts on my art making. Is it indulgent? Does it really matter? I know I need to get it out into the world more…. I mostly do cut and paste collage, but now I am on a sewing jag. I don’t know how not to keep my hands busy. In some ways, it is a spiritual practice. When I crochet or sew blankets for the Texas Children’s Hospital, I know that has a higher purpose. Every child that enters the hospital is gifted with a handmade blanket.
Since retiring from public librarianship 10 years ago, I found I needed to apply myself to some discipline or another, perhaps because all my years on the job created a respect for the work ethic. When we grow into our chosen genre, a whole new world of self expression opens up. There are always new techniques to learn. I like to think that making art keeps me dancing towards wholeness, integrating my interior world with the exterior world we live in. Imagine a world without art. How drab that would be. And so I continue to explore and experiment… I also love sharing arts and crafts with children and meeting up with fellow artists. Come to think of it, I don’t think I can help but be an artist. Somehow that is my path!
Thank you for this opportunity to parse my thoughts.

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I M Perfect

May 27, 2019 at 5:31 am

Thanks for your thoughts Keddy, I agree with them too. Art certainly does have a place of great value in the world.
And, I like that we are dancing towards wholeness!

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