Thursday, June 30, 2016

Finding the Muse #5 Inspired by a Technique

There are times in life when you find it more difficult to be creative. I am going through such a time, while sad about our pup's illness. When  our sewing group decided to explore the techniques of Sue Carlson, I knew my heart wasn't in it but wanted a diversion.

 I chose the moon pattern in Serendipity Quilts

Today we'll discuss finding the muse via techniques, books, and group activities. 
 I made my own pattern from a photo which I'll share in a moment.
 Each person in the group chose their own pattern but we did it together. Parallel play. The technique calls for tracing the image onto muslin, and filling in with bits of scraps in color/tone of choice.

It's a lot more exacting than I thought it would be. I dithered over little scraps of color, replacing them as I went. I don't think I am totally happy with it yet. It will change with background on, and thread painting.
 It was  learning experience and that's a good thing.

You can be inspired by working in a group on your own quilt.
 You can find inspiration in trying a new technique.

The real creativity will show when creating your own image to use, tweaking the technique to suit you, and making it your own. 
I took an image of Cole, traced it (bottom left) enlarged that on paper. Then traced it onto muslin.
 As for this technique... I like the idea of working in wild colors, paying more attention to line and shadow than realistic color. I did not enjoy tracing onto muslin. (I used identipen) I did not enjoy laying on a scrap, pulling it back to see the line underneath and trimming to the line. I may create an art quilt combining some of  these techniques with Jane Sassaman's techniques and some of my own.

I am too emotionally drained right now to consider working on this. It's important to know we all go through times when we do not have the energy to create. Even a person who lives a creative life.

The Muse understands and will be there when I'm ready to work, just as she's there for you too.
Other Finding the Muse inspiration posts under the label on the side Finding the Muse





14 comments:

PaintedThread said...

That moon looks so cool! I can't wait to see what it looks like finished. The Cole sketches look promising, too!

sonja said...

Amazing Grace how sweet the pup! The fabric will wait for your energy to return for your intuitive sessions. Resting is so part of the dance and you make up your steps! Be well, Sonja

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

Love that moon, girlfriend! Staying who you are will help you and Cole and Drew through this. So continue to create and continue to love.

Joanne said...

Hi LeeAnna,
Like the wind, so to is the creative journey!
Blogging is such a creative part of you too! You can teach so well in the written word! Taking photo's, processing, writing, publishing, all so creative. just a different medium that the fabrics you so love to share with us!
Take care,
Joanne

Marly said...

I found this so inspiring I just went back and read all your back posts on the subject of the muse. I'm really impressed by how you are analysing the different processes you use in taking inspiration from different media. I realised that some were completely new to me, and others already in use, if less consciously than you describe. Your story of the tree with a splinter is a familiar process, but not something I do much with. Your use of taking colour inspiration from photos was literally an eye opener, one I'm putting into practice immediately. Thanks so much; once again you've given me a little push!

easyweimaraner said...

I can't wait to see your Cole artpiece... hugs to you all and a big box full with weim-power for you and for Cole :o)

Julierose said...

Beautiful blue Moon ("...you saw me standing alone..." and another tune unreeling in my head..lol) I think that when the time is right you will work on Cole's Serendipity piece....hang in kiddo...hugsx2 Julierose

Tails Around the Ranch said...

It's a lovely moon but you know I'm swooning over the Cole sketch. ღ

Crafts a la Mode said...

Nice work. Keep at it.

MulticoloredPieces said...

I hear you. 2016 has been a really rough year for me, but I find that the hand stitching projects that do not require much thought have helped me get through it all. You do such lovely work. May blue skies and smooth sailing come soon. best, nadia

Ruth said...

That looks like a brilliant project, I look forward to seeing your progress on the one with Cole.

AlidaP said...

I hope you find your muse and inspiration. Your work is very creative even when you don't feel in the creative mood, so I admire you for that! I hope things get better soon, hugs!!!

Kaja said...

So sorry things are tough for you. These bits have lots of promise,when the muse returns. It's good to acknowledge the hard bits as well as the easy - it's all part of the journey.

Susan said...

I feel your pain. My mom passed away recently, and creativity has been hard to come by. It will return though. Just keep these projects tucked away for another day.
Thanks for linking up at Midweek Makers - I always enjoy seeing what you create
Susan