Tuesday In the Studio…”Spinning Wheels, Going @”

In the studio, as in life, many times I feel I am spinning my wheels without making much movement forward…even though I have been busy working on many tasks. Why is it difficult to understand that these smaller tasks, or micromovements as SARK in her book,  Make Your Creative Dreams Real, A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day (2004) calls them, are very important in reaching the end goals. Perhaps my long-term goals, while important, overshadow the now and add unnecessary pressure, instead of guiding my process and outcomes. I lose the joy of being creative and the sense of play, improvising, and experimenting.

So what have I accomplished today? Well, the top of my desk is organized! Also, the Art Portfolio on my website needed revising so it now has a new look and organization. [Be sure to check it out!] It helps to see my current body of work and gives me ideas of where to head next! So perhaps this is, after all, an important stage in the creative process–a time to organize, generate new ideas, and think of future goals–

The conclusion? Even though some days it feels like spinning wheels, going @…maybe there really are micromovements forward!

*What micromovements did you make today?*

Related Post:

SAQA’s Benefit Auction Begins Soon!

A reminder the Studio Art Quilts Association on-line Benefit Auction will be held Sept. 12th–Oct. 2nd.  As an annual fund-raiser, over 300 SAQA artist have donated a 12″x12″ art quilt, featuring a huge variety of techniques, inspirations, and styles.

My donated piece is entitled, “Above Dark Clouds”which was inspired by the brilliant sky as we flew through the rain clouds to reach a higher altitude…                                                                          where the light still shines no matter what…

Above Dark Clouds, ©2011 Joni Beach
"Above Dark Clouds". Frayed-edge applique, pieced, quilted with rayon on hand-painted and commercial cotton, 11 1/2 x 11 1/2″. ©2011 Joni Beach

To preview the other wonderful available works of art and consider participating in this event, visit— SAQA Benefit Auction at  http://www.saqa.com/saqa-u.php?ID=1791.

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First Glimpse of Fall Colors…

First Fall Colors

The first day I notice a flash of red or yellow among the tones of green in the woods, it is always a surprise to realize that summer’s end is drawing near.

Soon the tawny colors of Autumn will paint the landscape…Nature will get our attention with a visual reminder that life will always include changes–transitions from one season to another.

This seasonal transition has also served as inspiration for many artists over the years. In a past fall season, after collecting some of the first colorful fall leaves, I traced and used their shapes to design these wall-hangings.

The same leaves were used in both but experimenting with different types of prints, color, and quilting lines resulted in two variations on the same theme.

First Colors of Autumn, #2.
First Colors of Autumn, #1. Fused appliqué, free-motion quilting on cotton, 22 x 20 1/4". © 2009 Joni Beach.
First Colors of Autumn, #2. © 2009 Joni Beach.
First Colors of Autumn, #2. Fused appliqué, free-motion quilting on cotton, 17 1/4×17″. © 2009 Joni Beach.

So in the coming days, I will continue to observe the change of colors in the fall landscape, marvel at the brilliant variety of colors…

along with the many transitions in life.

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*I realize not everyone experiences a fall season in the climate in which they live…I’d love to hear about which season or type of climate inspires you!?*