Christmas time is just filled with sights, sounds, and inspirations for art...and life.
My workshop (i.e. studio) is busy, though much of the activity is getting ready for the holidays. So while much studio work has been put on hold, cards are being written, gifts are being gathered, cookies are being baked, and decorations are being put-up.
And, it is a time to enjoy colors, music, food, and relationships–and maybe some…
Quiet moments of peace sipping hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.
Last night we saw our first big, flaky snowflakes of the winter…very steadily, for about fiveminutes! Just long enough to reminds us that winter is really on its way to the mountains.
Snow flakes by Wilson Bentley, 1902. Image via Wikipedia
They say that no two snowflakes are just alike. Now, how anyone would know that, I don’t know…But regardless, I believe this is true. For something so tiny and delicate, the snowflake designs they leave on a frosty window reveals their unique beauty.
Of course, people, who hold so much in common, are also uniquely different–no two human beings are just alike. (Though identical twins come very close!) It is this uniqueness that reveals the importance and value of each person…
For everyone leaves their human design on the days of life…
Post-Thanksgiving has meant renewed time in the studio this week. Yesterday when turning on my sewing machine, the light on the panel was too dim to read and I almost panicked. On no, the computer’s main board has gone out! How would the cursor and light just quit working with no warning?…Then I discovered a little button on the side of the machine that I never knew existed–after years of sewing! When it was turned, the panel immediately lit up and was visible. Wow, such relief and no more excuses…
Finally, back to the quilting of the Lifeweaving wall-hanging. After repining and smoothing the black strips, I am working my way from the middle to sides in each direction. Using a tiny zigzag stitch over the edges is working well to connect the strips and add texture to the design.
I tend to work on several pieces, in different stages of the design process, at the same time. So, another project is the yellow flower design. The inspiration for this art quilt is this photo taken in a garden this summer.
I love the colors and the pattern on the underside of this yellow bloom…Fabrics are being auditioned for the background, as well as the flower applique to be layered onto it…
At this point in the design process, colors are considered—Should they be realistic?…abstract? Also, decisions on size and scale must be made—Should I enlarge the pattern?
After a great holiday and much activity, it has been good to rest and focus inthe quiet of the studio.
Joni Beach 