Rhythms of Life

Just like in music, part of the rhythm of life includes the rests. A rest in music is the time (or times) where a silence or a pause in the active singing or playing of a note occurs.

This spring I came to a rest of sorts…I did not actually stop doing everything, but I took a break from my usual routine. It gave me time to welcome new family, take a great adventure, and travel.  The rest provided me with new experiences, influences, images, and perspectives. As summer ended, I had reflected, regrouped, and was ready for new goals, projects, and a new regular routine.

As an artist, I gathered many ideas, inspirations, and influences for many new designs and goals. Everyday there is work being done in the studio to prepare for a new exhibit…(more about that later)! I am creating several new pieces, each in various stages of the creative process~~

Sketching an idea…

Sketch of Idea
Sketch of Idea

Piecing and composing an image…

A New Perspective, ©2013JoniBeach
A New Perspective, ©2013 Joni Beach.

Or adding details with threadpainting and quilt lines…

Meow, Mr. Whiskers, ©2013 Joni Beach.
Meow, Mr. Whiskers, ©2013 Joni Beach.

So the notes are being played again, the rest was in an earlier measure.

Now the music I am playing is greatly enhanced ~~such are the Rhythms of Life.

**What are your rests in the rhythm of your work and life? What gives you that forward movement towards your plans and goals?

I will be posting new art regularly on my blog and in the website gallery as pieces are finished!! Thanks for your Visit…

Autumn, Oh the Colors of Life!

To me Autumn means new color!

Actually, a change of the the colors of life–the bright, vivid summer greens, yellows, and blues give way to twinges of burnt oranges, rusty reds, and tawny yellowsThe air becomes crisper, cooler…the daylight has a noticeably different look to it. I am reminded that nothing in life ever really stays stagnant, but continually changes, either quickly or very slowly–but, surely!

In the studio, today I am quilting the Lifeweavings #3 piece. The loose fabric strips have been a challenge to hold in place, even with many pins. A better method may have been to use a fusible batting and iron the two layers–the woven top and batting–together before stitching.

Progress is also being made on the yellow flower. Here it is on the design wall as I fill in the design.

Pinning the pieces in place has worked the best for this, though I am undecided whether to piece a background for it or to add the background pieces around the centered flower?…do I turn the edges or leave them raw edge?…making these choices along the way is all part of the design process.

I am slowly creating new art in the studio…                                                                                                                Just as Autumn is slowly changing the colors @ us and life moves on into a new season…