I M Perfect lady

Category: Art shows

  • It’s called Artist

    Art as therapy is something that is an interesting adventure.  The piles of things I make often represent the outcome of channeling my anxiety or perhaps waylaying it.

     

    Art in itself is odd.

    Being called an artist odder still.

     

    I am drawn to doing things with my hands – but it mostly feels like my body and soul need to make things.  

     

    Not just things; but things that carry energies of joy and feelings of love.

     

    When I was unpacking for the Art Show – I said over and over "Oh I love this one." It was like I wasn't there when I made it.   

     

    Expressing my feelings in art – is perhaps getting in touch with the feelings I had long been detached from.  It is like my body now craves being surprised by the things my hands create.

     

    When I am working, I decide things by feelings.  The colors and the designs in the fabric that seem to dance together are what I love.  There is magic in pairing certain colors together. 

    I still feel like a beginner and I have been sewing art quilts for over 20 years.

     

    It mostly feels like I am selling my lessons or what I am practicing on – and that I am working towards a goal I cannot see.  Mostly I am present with my art and where it is at this time.

     

    As my art continues to weave and change – so do I.

     

    The energy that comes forth in my art – refuels me.

    I am grateful to make art.

    I am grateful it makes my body feel joy and it tickles me.

    And grateful that others see what I feel and even more take my art home with them.

    Being an artist is more of a feeling than a label.

     

    Second to doing art, is enjoying the art of others. I love when I am surprised and made to feel something when seeing what others do with their hands.

     

    Art carries a feeling – a message from a soul.

    I looked up the definition of "Artist". 

    "a person who creates art (such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing) using conscious skill and creative imagination."

    I agree the combination of skill and imagination is what make the magic.

    There is a quote about "Worry is a poor way to use your imagination."  Doing art give my mind a better way to be used.

     

    Often instead of thread of worry, I have piles of un-made pieces I can't wait to do.

    My aunt whose sewing machine I inherited when she passed away – used to worry that she would die before creating all the ideas she had.  I get this.  And the more you do, the more ideas grow out of nowhere.

     

    Art is a therapy for me, it keeps my wandering mind entertained. 

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    And maybe I am creating images that bring me love, peace and joy.

     

    Artist isn't about me – it is about what comes when I follow my imagination.

    I am inspired by others and use their ideas and make them my own.

     

    I don't take being an artist seriously; but I do making art.

    My life is better when I find the time to do things that bring me joy and excites my imagination.

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    I feel that my soul speaks through my art.

    In looking at my art, I love my soul.

    I love the playful colorful joy it expresses.

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    Perhaps my soul has a name – it's called artist.

     

    ( I have been going through old pictures – deleting them to make room on my devices. It is fun to see the older ones.)

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lookalike.

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    This is the Art Director posing with my quilts. I LOVE how she chose to interact with my art.  This will be one of my favorite photographs.

     

    There was an artist reception for me and I decided that I would get others to interact with my art.

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    It was so much fun! 

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    When your face is being taken care of – you then use your body to express yourself. 

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    We all smiled big behind the quilt. Just a reflex when someone takes your picture, you put your best face forward.

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    The fun we had with these faces will encourage me to make more. 

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    Interacting with my art, brought a lighthearted fun energy to the space!

     

    It was exciting for me to create them, and then fun to display them; but way more fun to pose with them.  And, what is even more exciting is that two women saw themselves in my art.  Two have found new homes with their lookalike.

     

     

    (My quilts are being featured at the Gallery on 5th Street in Calumet until February 4th – where you can go and pose with a face.)

     

  • Played So Much.

    The only Art Show I do, is less than a week away.  It is time now to look up from what I have created, price my art and start getting organized to show.

    There is a big difference between doing art, showing art, and selling art.

     

    I love getting lost in new ideas, in playing with colors and fabrics, and this year new mediums.  

     

    It is like each new idea gives birth to another idea – a cascade of inspiration.

    These faces were so much fun to play with, they captivated me for weeks!

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    These are inspired by Freddie Moran.  They are way too fun – I can't know if they will sell – but my joy has already happened.

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    If you try these, I am pretty sure you won't stop with one.

     

    I then saw these scrappy trees – made from Fabric Twine.

    Oh my gosh. I LOVED making the twine – great for at the end of the day – keeping my hands busy while I watched my latest binge on Netflix. 

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    Another addictive activity – I loved the twining and I love the tree making and I love the final trees.  They filled me with joy and happiness – while I worked on them.

     

    That led to scrappy cards.  These were way too much fun. I had a packet of blank cards and envelopes from many years ago. I used what I had.  It was interesting to sew on paper – and so much easier than actual quilting. I will play more with this medium.

     

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    Those inspired Gift Tags. Smaller and I had to cut the paper etc. I kept them all trees. I didn't want to put too much time into these – this close to the show.

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    I would love to play more with fabric, inks and even paints on cards – no time now – but this has fueled a new avenue to explore.

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    I inherited a boat load of old jewelry and so I began to recycle it.  What fun this was. I found out I am pretty much a bohemian sorta girl.  I loved the imperfection of it all.  I got a few made for the show – but will continue to explore this after as well. 

     

    And, those led to Fiber Beads.  Oh My Gosh who knew there was even such a thing. In researching if you will – what to do with old jewelry I happened upon the fiber bead.

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    Again lots left to explore. An endless road of possibilities.  This new art also filled me up with new energy, ideas and joy.  

     

    In the midst of my own art journey my daughter came home – she wanted to do projects while here – one was to play with clay. What fun we had.

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    My girls did a much better job than I – handling the clay. But, I was still joyful in what I had made.  So these too will be part of my display at the show.



    So, I have expanded my art – I have tried new things and had a ton of fun playing.  

     

    Now the business side of the art is here. Pricing and anticipation of showing what you made.

    A part of my soul is in each piece or for sure a my signature expression.

     

    I am now tasked with pricing what I created.

    Putting a value on it.  

    There is a place where it honors the art, me and the customer.

     

    To all the artists who are in the show – this last week as you sit surrounded by your art – you look outward now to how others will receive it.  You start looking more critical or at least I do.   This is the hardest part of being an artist, show yourself in public.

     

    In this process the head takes over from the playful confident artist.

    This is where the judgement comes from – and the self-conscious part.

    If you give it free will, the head will convince you you are worthless – and so is your art.

    I am thinking that doing art allows me to live away from my head and all its rubbish.

    I also know that the energy I experienced while doing my art  - it is what is in my art – not the false words of my head.

     

    So, I just wanted to put this out there, for I know I am not alone.

    To all the artists that show and sell art – you are badass for taking what you created in private and put it on display for all to see.  

     

    What I love is to see new art, to witness creativity in action.  I LOVE art, the artists and the shows.  

    A friend reminded me, that by being in a show, it makes you more creative. I believe this to be true.  Without a show on the horizon – I don't believe I would have played so much.

     

    See my play on display on November 12 from 10am until 4pm at the Houghton High School – Keweenaw Art Affair.   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Presence of Art

    Yesterday I was part of Art Week in Marquette, and it was about demonstrating your art – and I misunderstood and yet I overachieved.

    I brought way way too much art compared to the other artists.

    We were a small group.

    It is a new part of Art Week.

    There even was a painting class going on.

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    There were 4 trees and a lamppost that held the clothesline.  The committee envisioned my art in trees along the harbor to bring attention to this space. I believe I achieved that.

    Folks came from the end of the harbor, saying they had to come and see what this was about.

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    It truly was a Pop Up art show in Lower Harbor.  Where folks happen upon art in an unexpected way.

    I received so many wonderful compliments and brought giggles and joy.  A woman just kept saying, these make me so happy!!!  It felt good to hear others feel the good energy, joy and humor in my art.  The joy I have playing with fabric is clearly understood by those who were drawn to the quilts flapping in the breeze along the harbor.

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    Part of being an artist is to make others feel something.

    I love that my ladies ignite good feelings.

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    And, I did demonstrate – some of what I do, by machine quilting.  It was so nice to be outside sewing. The lighting was perfect, the temperatures amazing – and only a biting fly or two near the end. 

    It was fun to see the interest of young girls and them sharing with me what they have made.

    One quilter was so happy that Quilting was being represented in Art Week.

    So, I represented Fiber Arts – I achieved that.

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    Yesterday was a great reminder that being an artist isn't just about selling or the monetary value of our product. I felt the interest and curiosity others had. I was sharing a process and involving them in my art.

    It wasn't about me – it was about my art.

    My art has more value than its value.

    I hope that a few seeds were planted, that someone felt it was possible to play with fabrics and to toss aside patterns and do some free form sewing.

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    My daughter came with me – and we had a very nice afternoon by the water.  It was a relaxing show for her. I so appreciate her efforts in helping me set up and take down shows, not to mention handling sales.

    I am adding this last picture, even though the blog space may contort its clarity.  For some reason some pictures don't load correctly.

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    I love this, the lamppost, the water, the bench, the folks and my quilts.

     

    All in all, it was a great day.  I came and represented quilters and artists. I brought what I do and shared a part of the creation process.  I made a few new friends and introduced my art to more people.  

    Success is in the feelings.

    It was a gorgeous day in the harbor and we were there for 6.5 hours. In the shade, surrounded by quilts on the line. Boats floating by, bikers biking by and folks walking and having picnics and Artists doing their art.

    Perfection.

    Art Shows without selling, seem to be the most organic. And, as someone commented, more intimate. We had time to chat and exchange ideas. Time to visit and share our humanity. I felt like I was making so many new friends.

     

    I am glad I had this experience.

    To feel and value my art on a different level. 

     

    Don't get me wrong, I love when folks buy my art. I love that value too. I love when someone loves it enough to part with their hard earned money. I love being able to support my art with my art. 

    And yet, it was good to take money off the table and just be with the process and presence of art.

     

     

     

     

  • Serious Artist.

     

    Being an artist is a weird thing.  

    Selling what you play with seems often weirder.  

     

    Now that I am retired, I was feeling like I had to become more 'serious' about being an artist.

    Like creating more, showing more, selling more, thinking more, doing more, being more….

    I don't even know how to be an artist. I just know how to be me.

    And, it seems impossible to be serious in creating art.

    When the serious tones entered into my art – it felt heavy and a duty and responsible – kinda grown up feeling.

    Being a serious artist was not fun.

     

    When I was working, Art was just a side hustle.  A thing I did on Sundays.

    Or I would sneak it in before work.  

     

    I am thinking I have to keep my Art playful and free and a fun thing I do now and again.

    It has to be fun and something I do on the side of life. But, not life.

    Sorta like sneaking out of life to play like a kid.

    Or skipping the seriousness of life and do art.

     

    Tomorrow I will be doing a pop up art display in the Lower Harbor in Marquette as part of Art Week. (3pm until 6pm).  A perfect short show.

     

    I was kinda stressing when I was trying to figure out what this display show thing would look like.

    Until I remember doing pop up art shows with a friend along Lake Superior.

    We just added our art to the trees.

     

    That is exactly what I will do in the Lower Harbor.

    And, I have permission to drape my quilts on branches of trees.  I am bringing a clothes line in case we 

    can go from tree to tree.

     

    The part I love the most about doing art is the unexpected, the surprise and delight of what emerges as I play.  Same too will be for the Popup Show.

     

    And, I am thinking that there isn't much about life that is serious serious.

    Especially once retired.

     

    What I am going to strive for is less and less serious and more playtimes.

     

    Thank God I am not a serious Artist.

     

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  • The Right Direction

    I looked back in my blog and the first time these Story Line Quilts were displayed was July 2012 at the Strawberry Festival Quilt show- almost 10 years ago.

    There is a difference in who I was back then, compared to who I am today.

    I was more vulnerable back then.

    My new life was just 7 years old.

    I had been processing, healing, dealing and feeling the truth of so much dysfunction – unraveling and dissecting and discovering – I was freshly exposed.

    I had been blogging for 3 years – yet that didn't feel as public as hanging my Art Therapy Quilts in public.

    And, it isn't the quilts.  It is the story that rides with them. Or even more, the reaction of folks seeing them.

    I was afraid of the backlash.

     

    Which I believe is all victims. We hold our silence in fear of what others will say and do.

     

    In reading my blog from July 2012 -I wrote about my friend's responses – and how touched they were with the quilts.  Women who have walked with me, cheering me on, who have listened and read my blog – were still moved emotionally by the quilts.

    There is something profound in how these quilts seemed to hold emotions, expressions and energy of Me. It is like a part of me resides in each quilt.

    Even in their beauty, sorrow and sadness is felt. The challenge of my journey.

     

    So, as I look ahead to the Artist Reception – and being with others as they are with my quilts – I believe I will be in a much better place.  

    In the 10 years that passed – I have added so much to my life.

    Imagine WIND was born that summer too.

    There are so many women who I now call Friend, who came to me through WIND.

    A community of beautiful, strong, courageous souls who understand that life can take a new direction, whose hearts know tragedy and pain – and yet they live life with open hearts – open to adventure and a new direction.

    Within the community of WIND, I have grown both inwardly and outwardly in confidence in the adventures we have shared.

     

    There is more distance between where I am today and the deep wound. And, I have more confidence in who I am and what I can do – and even more what I can survive. And, how these shows are not hurtful for me – but have given me so much in return.

     

    In the past few weeks I was feeling the weight of being out front.  Of not having a good role model as a mother – to follow.  That in every curve of the road, I have to 'figure' it out. I am having to make the first steps – consciously.  There isn't a true path forward that leads to a loving, happy family. I have to be the one I want to follow – and I am winging it.  I don't know for sure what the lifetime outcome will be – until I can look in the rearview mirror or others can.

     

    There are days I just want to glide.

    To coast along without a care – behind a loving pattern.

     

    My Storyline isn't a follow-line.

     

    What I understand, and often feel tired and overwhelmed with, is that I am continually breaking trail. There is no one who will do this for me.  The women who came before me in my family are creating the old pattern where abuse is tolerated, kept silent and often supported subconsciously.

    In order to be have a new pattern, I have to make it.  

    My story line of quilts shows the woman growing in her self-confidence and worth.

    That is the pattern I am building. I am continually growing.

    A work in progress.

    Still.

     

    I am not sure when the gliding comes or if I would even really enjoy it.

     

    What I know is that I am at peace with who I am and see the positive outcome from so many tough choices I had to make along the way.  

    I like the view looking back at my storyline.

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    Even if I can't see the finish line – I am going in the right direction.

     

  • Off to Show My Soul

    My quilts are rolled up and loaded into the car – their labels have been printed – they are all set to be put on display.

    I was chosen by the Peter White Library Arts Committee to show my art in their Huron Mountain Club Gallery on the first floor at the Library.

    They will be there until May 20th.

    April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and I am honored to have my Art hanging during this month to help bring awareness. I am hopeful they will bring hope and inspiration to others who also have been victims of abuse.

    May is Mental Health Awareness month.  By sharing my art therapy quilts, they show others they are not alone.  

     

    I believe it was 8 years ago when they were at the Dial Help Gala at Michigan Tech, and I once again feel the excitement and vulnerability.  I am thrilled to have this opportunity and at the same time – shy.

    (I looked back in my blog and the first outing for these quilts was for the 2012 Strawberry Festival Quilt Show – almost a decade ago.)

     

    Sharing my Art Therapy quilts is to share parts of my journey that holds much stigma.

    Being able to walk without fear into the Huron Mountain Gallery and shake out each quilt and put it under the spotlight – is equal to walking in naked.

    Yet I told a friend the other day, that vulnerability is courage.

    It is true.

    You gotta be a badass to display details others keep secret.

     

    What I know for sure is that the more of us who show our imperfections, the easier it is for others to deal with theirs.  For so long the goal of life it seemed was to be perfect.  Allowing for imperfections feels more real to me.

    I am not interested in perfection.

    Even in my quilts and art.

    I quilt by feelings.

    I live by feelings.

    I make mistakes and errors – both in life and art.

    That is the way.

     

    So, if you are in the Marquette area and are interested in Art, Art Therapy, and my journey – stop in the Peter White Library.   They are also going to have many of the books that helped me on my journey on display in the gallery or nearby.  

    If you do, drop me a note.

    Off to show my soul.

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  • Once Again On Display

    So, a few years back, prior to Covid, I was working with the Library Director at Peter White Public Library about having My Storyline quilts on display.  We had to postpone a few times, but now we are ready to go ahead for April.

     

    She needed a few pictures of the quilts that will be on display.

    I thought of my Mis-Matched Mitten Tree ones and took them out on a snowshoe this morning.

     

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    This is the first Mitten Tree – created in the Fall of 2010

    The cloak of my truth weighed heavy on me.  Yet I was pleased I belonged somewhere; if even on the tree of misplaced or unmatched etc.

     

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    The second one – I didn't sign and date, so not sure when this one was made. I few years after for sure.

    I feel she has more self-esteem and worth.  She is delightfully okay with being different -okay in being not okay in the normal societal standards.

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    As I was thinking of the Mitten Tree quilts – I recalled one more – this one was made in 2020 – I believe in the Fall.

    This one is where she is part of the society or she fits in with others.  And, this is more that she has accepted herself and is willing to get close to others and make connections.

    One thing about becoming estranged – is that you now wonder about the ending of things.

    Not that it is a conscious thought; but you can withhold large parts of yourself from others.

    Daring to open your heart and being willing to lose – takes self-esteem and courage.

    I may be adding this one to the collection.

    And, I am going to go through the rest of my quilts to see if there are others who need to join the My Storyline. 

     

    I will be working on getting words together to go with each quilt. It will be an interesting walk back down to the earliest quilts in this line. What they would now say to me and how I will feel.

    I look forward to seeing them all on display again – and in such a beautiful venue.

    I am also feeling anxious. It has been awhile.

    These quilts represent the truest sense of me.  They display how little my insides where and how vulnerable and lost – and yet they also hold the power and strength it has taken to being okay with being me.

    One of my intentions of being retired was to explore more of my Art – or my art therapy. I feel were inseparable.  And, we both continue to grow and become.

    The set-up will be in the beginning of April. 

    The Artist Reception on April 14th.

    The last display day will be on May 20th.

    It is so appropriate that My Storyline quilts will be on display in April – May.

     

    "April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, otherwise known as SAAM. During this month, people across the United States raised awareness about sexual violence, how to prevent it, and how to support those who are affected by it."

     

    "May is National Mental Health Awareness Month - focuses on bringing tools, resources, and education to the general public."  

     

    While both of these things are getting easier to talk about, there still is much silence.

    I am hopeful that my quilts will inspire others in ways that I can't even begin to know.

    What I know for sure, is it would have been so nice to see something like this when I first began to unravel out of denial.

    So, ready or not I will be once again on display.

     

     

  • Soul at Rest

    This blog has been a way for me to sort out truth from fiction – as well as what is helpful or healing for my mental wellness – and perhaps more how it feels coming from a dysfunctional cult-like religious abusive family.  

    It was a tool I used to bring my tangled thoughts and messed up beliefs.

    A blank space that welcomed not only my messed up head, but didn't judge my new ways of being Me. 

    The blank page is open and always welcome and oh so patient as I type, delete, type and re-write.

     

    Often I start out with a stressful thought.

    A thought that won't leave me alone.

     

    Or, I bring what I feel are good books, podcasts and other things that have helped me find my way to a life that brings me peace, love and joy.

     

    I believe we are meant to live lives where our minds, body and souls are at rest.

    Rest in Peace is for the living – not the dead.

     

    And, I also believe heaven is here and not when we pass.

    Our challenge is to find heaven – the place where our souls can rest.

     

    I don't believe it is a place; but rather a deep feeling of love.

    Love of self and love of humanity.

    A place where differences blend in an artful array of color and shape.

    The tapestry of life holds many threads and we each hold up our part of what being a human being is.

     

    To me, mental wellbeing is when you can be yourself in the reality of life.

    The ability to accept what is and who you are completely – creates a soul at rest.

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  • Story Line of Becoming

    I felt like I was taking the records of my mentalness as I left Copper Country Mental Health with my quilts. I was taking them out of a safe space. A place that understands, and holds sacred, our mental being.  

    I felt sad, for Joe wasn't there for this transition. He would be so excited to know they were going on the road.  I miss his great hug of confidence. And yet his confidence walks with me.

    As I took down each one, I didn't dwell on them. But, yet each one felt like a piece of my mental breakdown, and a badge of my courage. My broken self and my healing together. Picking up pieces of my self from long ago.

     

    My Story Line quilts, and my most recent quilt, are sharing the same couch today. The history that flows through them, is mine.  Who I was, where I was, and what I was going through, is captured in fabric.

    There is a vulnerability in doing art.  It captures our beginner self.  In these quilts, I also captured my mental wellness or the lack thereof.

    These quilts feel vulnerable – an openness and yet there is tentativeness in doing so.

    I had to look up the definition of Vulnerable.

    "the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally."

     

    What these quilts carry is vulnerability and courage.

    For, I truly felt completely terrified to be attacked for my openness. And so badass for being so open.

    At the time these quilts were created, I was a mess and my life shattered. 

     

    The woman herself was so small and frightened – and a stranger to me. I had no idea who I was, where I was going, or who I would become.  And, I wasn't even sure of my history.  The state of my world was terrifying and hopeful.  A messy ending and a beautiful beginning.

    The quilts are so beautiful in their artistry.  It blows my mind that someone in the state I was in, could continue to do art.

     

    There was a desperateness in my art.  Or, should I say to do art. I needed so desperately for there to be something alive and beautiful in my world at that time. And, yet it recorded my inner state of vulnerability and unknown – against the backdrop of life.

    For the next three weeks, I will look at these quilts with new eyes and re-read and perhaps re-write captions for them.

    Reconnecting with past self and the trauma she was in.

    I feel such awe in my ability to be so exposed – both artistically and emotionally.

    To share my wounds – not only of being sexually abused, but also that I didn't know who I was or what I stood for etc.  

    Like a bleeding broken self who does art.

    These quilts oddly seem more valuable today, then they did while I was making them. I feel the history and story line of becoming.

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