The weather maps I have been collecting for the past year are decidedly blue and purple in cast -- a sign that arctic winds are traveling south. So it was with a sense of joy I noticed these colors in the kitchen. The rescued tomatoes and the first winter lentil soup.
the [ is it worth it? ] debate
Inevitably, at some stage in every project, I come to a point where I have to ask: is it worth it? Yesterday was one of those days. While working on the continent portions of this world map quilt I decided to add a running stitch horizontally across the space defined by the continents. Thus:
horizontal hand stitching
Those horizontal hand stitches added a nice texture that contrasted with the machine stitching nearby. Needless to say, there are a lot of continents on this map and the time it takes to add the running stitch is not inconsequential. Then, I experimented with another set of running stitches at a 90 degree angle. Thus:
90 degree stitching for new texture
Double the texture, double the time. And, did I mention the number of threads I need to bury where the machine stitching hits the continents?
So, is it worth it?
I decided yes.
Graphic design brought me to this
Years ago, when I was working with a group of freelancers to form a union of talented individuals to generate business, we talked about what makes a successful freelancer. The idea was that if we were going to mentor young entrepreneurs we would have to know how we came to be successful ourselves. I did some research at the time about how (and why) people become graphic designers and came across an article in the Princeton Review that said the following:
Graphic designers create the visual presentation and design of goods, from gravestone markers to detergent boxes, from album covers to dog food cans. Work is usually done on a project basis. Designers must be able to work under extreme time pressures and very defined financial and design limits to produce quality material. A graphic designer must be able to synthesize input from a number of different sources into a distinctive image, using research prepared by a marketing department and cost specifications determined by a budgeting department, and produce a variety of sketches and models which demonstrate different approaches to the product … When projects are underway, graphic designers can expect to work long hours brainstorming and meeting with executives to discuss ideas. The job is highly visible; successes and failures alike are recognized and are put on display. Those who are insecure about their skills or their ideas have a hard time accepting the amount of risk and rejection this career entails.
When I found that little snippet in a notebook recently it occurred to me that my life since retiring as a graphic designer hasn't changed radically. If fact, if I substitute the words art quilter for graphic designer the definition still stands (with some slight modifications).
Art quilters create the visual presentation and design of ideas. Work is usually done on a project basis. Art quilters must be able to work under extreme time pressures and very defined financial and design limits to produce quality material. An art quilter must be able to synthesize input from a number of different sources into a distinctive image and produce a variety of sketches and models which demonstrate different approaches to the piece. When projects are underway, art quilters can expect to work long hours brainstorming. The work is highly visible; successes and failures alike are recognized and are put on display. Those who are insecure about their skills or their ideas have a hard time accepting the amount of risk and rejection this career entails.
Textural details
Spent the weekend adding stitching to the World quilt. Love the difference here between the circular texture and the Kantha stitching in the continent. Lots more to go.
mind mapping
Sometimes the only thing I can do in the studio is not focus. I flit from piece to piece with nary a thought to consistency or plan. Often my eyes rest on this old timer. I am calling it my mind map. Though it would probably be more accurate if I called it mind unmapping.
Mind map, detail, Paula Kovarik
I use this piece as a collage of thoughts and images. All of it is random. All of it pieced from other works...many that traveled along a detour, got a flat tire and ended up stashed away in some far away failure drawer. Sometimes I just hand stitch on it. Other times I add detail with my machine. I will continue to add layers and layers until it all makes sense.
Maybe it will make sense someday. Maybe not. For now it is a great resting point for me. There are no risks with this piece. I know if I don't like it I can cut it up.
Mind map, stitching, Paula Kovarik
I don't know why, but I really like the way this silly pink flower looks against the hand stitching below it.