Kindergarten - detail, Paula Kovarik, 2014
One aspect of this art form that reveals my inner self. Compulsion. An outlet for repetitive thinking.... Working on the background stitching of my kindergarten quilt has taught me a lesson in persistance. Each stitch about a quarter inch long. The piece measures about 3 x 3 foot. I am adding approximately 40 - 50 stitches per 2 inch square by hand.
It seemed like a good idea at the beginning.
raw edged, Paula Kovarik, 2012-2013
This piece has been on my design wall for over a year. The pic above is only a detail. It started as a failed quilt that I chopped up and reassembled upside down with strips of black and peach colored strips. The raw edges drip into each other to create a nest of layers that appeals to me. Every so often I take it down off the wall and add more stitching. A spiral here, some hand stitching there. It accepts whatever I add with grace and humor. I'm not sure I ever want to finish this one. It would mean that the process would end. And that's been the most satisfying of all that I do in art. The process.
Insomnia 2, Paula Kovarik, 2013
I have made progress on the second insomnia piece. Originally I wanted to show the difference between a sound sleeper and one who has more difficulty filtering out the brain games. But, when I started talking to other people about how their sleep patterns resolve themselves I found that most do not have an easy time falling to a gentle sleep. Hence, a little bit of chaos for each of us. These insomnia pieces are done on some recycled cotton pillow shams given to me by my friend Missy.
Insomnia detail, Paula Kovarik, 2013
Kindergarten, ©2013, Paula Kovarik
After a week of cold and gray the burst of sunshine through my studio window was welcome relief. This little guy looked like he was jumping for joy on my design wall. Though I am still wearing an insulated vest and scarf in the studio, the light is SO much better.
I am lucky to have two grandsons who are incredible artists. Each has his own style and both are serious practitioners. I have collected a number of their drawings and am working on a piece called Kindergarten using their art. Following their line work with my sewing reveals a spontaneity and vigor that is inspiring and fun.
The piece below shows a progressive shot showing a finished face and others that are still in the rough stitching phase. Since these two boys tend to draw in short sectional lines there is a lot of stopping and starting (and therefore a lot of clean up to do after stitching).
Kindergarten, ©2013 Paula KovarikHere is a close up of a girl with headphones. The yellow color comes from layering a bright yellow fabric below the linen I am using on the top.
Headphone Girl, ©2013, Asher Kovarik
