Who are you? Who, who who who? ( from The Who)
In my lectures on creativity I ask what roadblocks must be
overcome to live a more creative life. The answers are usually the
following: work and family obligations, space or lack of it, lack of
organization, injuries and illness, lack of skills, perfectionism, lack of ideas,
unable to narrow choices, and others. I'll discuss ways around these in the next few weeks.
(For a fun hour, sign me up to come to your group and lead you in creativity exercises DETAILS HERE)
The worst roadblock in my opinion, is telling yourself, saying the words, you are not creative.
It's my belief that we won't be creative as long as we believe we are not creative. Creativity is a survival technique for life.
Do your thoughts get in your way?
Self-limits might come from long-ago comments made by others. They become hard wired in our brains until we believe that's who we are.Surely we can throw away limiting thoughts like we do with any other rubbish.
Personally, I am trying to quiet the inner critic in my brain, the one who says I am unable to understand the blankety-blank computer, and replace those thoughts with, "it may be a nuisance but I can learn to use the computer to suit my needs" There are a lot of creative uses for computers, after all. I can do it!
Imagine if everyone fired their inner critics, gave themselves permission to play and make mistakes, and were brave enough to be truly original! I want to be a part of that world.
Allowing yourself to be creative is nothing new to the people reading this blog, but you know others who need to be encouraged, don't you?
I'd love to hear not only what gets in your way but ways you've overcome blocks to your own creativity.
Hope you are making something original today. LeeAnna
Monday, September 30, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
laugh out loud
http://icanhas.cheezburger.com/justcapshunz/share/7823043584 check out other funny, just plain silly posts including the tap dancing cows and dogs on trampolines at CLICK HERE |
Thursday, September 26, 2013
another reason to explore connections, video
If this video doesn't load, try this link to youtube creativity video
I think this is very interesting and imaginative way to discuss where ideas come from.
It also speaks to my concept of connection and the increasing need for it in today's world. As I approach the launch of my connection project quilts, (READ MORE HERE) I am hearing the catch phrase used more often from other thinkers around the world, repeating my views on connection. Serendipity? LeeAnna
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
In progress--beading
beading on fabric |
I want to learn how to make beaded jewelry, I LOVE beaded jewelry but the field is so large and there is so much to try and it's like going into the biggest ever bakery and wanting one of each! A person just can't digest it all.
I know, I know, just choose one thing to try and start. Well, that's easier said than done when you have the ENFP personality type (one description) ( Seek it here) and hate to limit yourself even in fun endeavors.
We are overstimulated around this household between DH's dissertation for his doctorate and my learning all the computer stuff (just as hard for me as electrical engineering!) so the thought of starting on the whole world of jewelry making is at once exciting and daunting.
I have done peyote stitch, made earrings and other forms of jewelry, tried torch work with glass, made a beaded bracelet watch, and a few other items. I want to learn much much more. But...
For today, just for today, I'm going to limit myself to beading something I understand. Fabric. I teach a class in 12 ways to add beads to fabric/quilts (check out this page) so I could see what others are making while staying closer to my comfort zone. I usually skate along the edge of comfort so maybe it's okay to just be comfortable today as I'm still getting to know these people.
So the question for today is, do you usually stay closer to your comfort zone even in crafting or do you leap right in to new things? Feel free to answer here or email me.
LeeAnna
check back soon for Monday Creativity Posts to begin
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Art that tells about a person
"A few of my favorite things" (c) LAPaylor 2013 |
When I learned foundation paper piecing a long time ago, I loved it immediately. Now I draw my own patterns but back then, I collected patterns that meant something to me and made a little original quilt with them. At the time I didn't have much experience or confidence in doing original quilts so this was a challenge.
Then as now I had a vision of the finished work in my head, so just kept building it. The symbols on it for me are stars,hearts, trees, houses, dogs, angels and flowers. Then over the years, since this hangs in the studio,
I hang things from it that I find along life's path like the flamingo keychain, the moon, a mermaid ornament, a birthday angel pin given by a friend, a candle from my 50th birthday cake, a beaded star made with family at Christmas one year, etc.
I have a little connection story about this quilt. A woman saw it at our quilt show and contacted me because it was so free and different from all the others, and I quilted it with abandon of rules, and she wanted to meet me. How Fun! That started a 15 year friendship with my friend Mary click here for her blog
This is a picture from the Smithsonian collection of Egyptian art of little symbolic pieces people wore around their necks. This is the same thing in a way...
it told others what was important to a person.
I believe showing original work is sometimes scary to people because it is so personal. It's a view into who they are, and if it's rejected or judged harshly, it feels very personal. Artists, including writers, singers, dancers, and anyone creating original work have to overcome the fear of judgement to share their light with others. They have to have enough confidence to withstand the critique of the masses.
We do that often because we are driven to make the work, and show the work because we want to connect with others.
I'm thinking about judgement today because I got my two entries home from PNQE with the judges comment sheets.click here Among the really nice compliments, was a comment about making sure my points were not cut off in piecing. I looked v-e-r-y closely and can't see any cut off points anywhere on the piece... I don't know.
Anyway, do you have trouble showing your work to others? Is is because of possible judgement? Are you one of those hardy souls so confident you don't care what other people think? Come sit next to me....
LeeAnna
Monday, September 23, 2013
ContraStock 3
Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom |
Read About the Park Here My husband and I met over 20 years ago at a contra dance in Fl and to this day, I believe men who dance are among the most fun and steadfast men in America! I know! If you want to meet a good man, head for a contra dance where you'll be hugged many times over the course of an evening.
Back to the current dance. This...is...ContraStock, a once a year 10-hour event that draws dancers from around the country.
This is about a third of the people on dinner break. They had a massive pot luck and visited with other dance enthusiasts and friends while fueling themselves for the next round of fun.
The carousel is peeking out in the background, and was running through dinner with that tinny caliope music we all remember from childhood.
The lovely art deco buildings create an atmosphere, and would you look at that sky! It stormed the day before but the dance goddess was with us and it cleared out leaving behind mild cool weather so we didn't perish while swirling around like excited tops on the dance floor.
The picture is blurry because I have a barbie camera but also because the people never stand still, so they look blurry. This is the inside of the ballroom, which is gorgeous and has a sprung wood floor. The dance was so crowded, not at all like this end of the night pic where they have room, that many of us got run over. Just the way it is.
It's all fun and games til someone gets hurt, then it's a sport.
This is the open air bumper car pavilion where we usually dance on Sunday nights with a cooler breeze and fairy lights twinkling.
Even at a dance I managed to find another art quilter to talk to about creativity. It's hard not to be creatively stimulated by the beautiful surroundings and there are artists in residence here with yurts to hold classes and workshops. There was a drawing class going on in one yurt, and I longed to peek in and see what people were learning. The pottery yurt was cooking late too.
This morning we are walking around carefully, as contra dance is lots of fun as well as a good workout. Our feet are sore from 6 hours on them, our arms sore from holding so many others, our necks sore from twirling but our spirits are soaring from the companionship. If you have never done Contra go see what you are missing. Come and go with us! LeeAnna
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Book Festival 2013
So many people who love reading, all in one place!
So many fascinating authors and their stories!
The mall (the center green in DC) in DC was a wash of orange between free tote bags and Volunteer shirts, it was so colorful.
This is an exhibit in the L of Congress tent, and we could write names of books that we feel changed the world. The fact is, books CAN change the world, and I just had to write in one, even though I agreed with the others. Gotta play along in life!
This is a bit of the free treasure we took away. Thanks to LA for the mardi gras beads. The real treasure was the incredible words and concepts offered in free talks by the authors. I learned so much, and laughed much more than I expected.
Hoda Kotb was charming, funny, entertaining, informative and most of all Real.
Authors take questions after their speeches, and Hoda had to contend with someone who appeared to be functioning in an alternate universe... and she did it with grace. We all realized early on that here was trouble, and it took security a long time to decide to approach the man.
I took many pictures, and would love to share them all but you get the idea.
One common theme among the enlightened speakers was the one dearest to my heart. "Connections"
Brad Meltzer, who was hysterically funny, shared some of his connection stories, as did Thomas Keneally.
It's about time to open my conncection project page. When the first quilt goes out, I will open the page to your connection stories, and we can all start to form a universal connection to each other.
Til, then, keep reading. LeeAnna
Friday, September 20, 2013
Showing at PNQE 2013
Tequila Sunrise (c) LAPaylor 2013 |
Like Nora Ephron said in her book, "I feel bad about my neck", I feel bad about my allergy face here, but that's the way it was yesterday. My neighbors unknowingly but frequently, torment me with allergens. The latest assault came when they took down an enormous oak and the cut remains are all over our connecting back yards, putting out oak odors that leave me with headaches. Wish the tree people had taken it away...
Those of you with sensitivities to chemicals will get it... I need a rolling hamster ball to live in, rolling safely around til I land in a safe environment.
ANYWAY,
I did visit the vendors, just to be supportive you know, and managed to find a few items to purchase. One of the most exciting was a thread holder that is heavier than the flimsy
I teach a bratty threads class CLICK HERE comparing thread types, needles to use, settings and adjustments needed and more, and still wanted to have a thread-bonfire that day. Hopefully this holder will work and not fall over. There are other mylar threads that I love by the way, Madeira, Yli and Superior all make a glittering asst of the flat reflective wonders, I was just trying to use up some "Trouble-On-A-Spool"
Last stop was a good party at Steve's (http://www.stevessewandvac.com/)
My MIL teaches there, and I used to teach there. It is a fabulous store worth a visit especially after the show as they have sales, demos and dinner for visitors. Of course I left with some of their fabric. I wanted to leave with the Janome hello kitty. So cute.
All in all a fun day spent with quilters and planning the next quilt.
LeeAnna
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The toast art project
I've interpreting the master painters in fiber, so when I saw the master painters interpreted in toast, well!!
Love Frieda Kahlo, and Matisse above. The artist has a website here: ida frosk. and a book
Eat Your Art Out. Check out his site for larger pictures and descriptions. I can't enlarge them, as, well, check out my previous post.
I'm working on a two tutorials so check back with me soon.
Tomorrow I am going to the Penn. Nat'l Quilt Extravaganza to see two of my quilts hanging with many other fabulous quilts. I expect to also see the vendor area, smirk. Just being supportive...
I didn't clean the studio today, instead I squirreled my way in, and sewed on the strips I posted several days ago. I like how it's turning out. I should have taken a video of the process, as it's pretty interesting. My hope is to sew Friday and show it to you soon. The strips will stand out from the quilted background like a mini sculpture. I'm getting an interesting edge treatment on it too.
I also took a moment today to "SPAVE" (that's spending while saving) with a Kohls 30% off coupon. Got some awesome bargains, as if I had room in the closet for more clothes!
When you find a LBD (little black dress) for $6 you've just got to have it, you know? Silly husband thinks I will remove an item from the closet to make room.... ha! Everybody....breathe in!
LeeAnna
Love Frieda Kahlo, and Matisse above. The artist has a website here: ida frosk. and a book
Eat Your Art Out. Check out his site for larger pictures and descriptions. I can't enlarge them, as, well, check out my previous post.
I'm working on a two tutorials so check back with me soon.
Tomorrow I am going to the Penn. Nat'l Quilt Extravaganza to see two of my quilts hanging with many other fabulous quilts. I expect to also see the vendor area, smirk. Just being supportive...
I didn't clean the studio today, instead I squirreled my way in, and sewed on the strips I posted several days ago. I like how it's turning out. I should have taken a video of the process, as it's pretty interesting. My hope is to sew Friday and show it to you soon. The strips will stand out from the quilted background like a mini sculpture. I'm getting an interesting edge treatment on it too.
I also took a moment today to "SPAVE" (that's spending while saving) with a Kohls 30% off coupon. Got some awesome bargains, as if I had room in the closet for more clothes!
When you find a LBD (little black dress) for $6 you've just got to have it, you know? Silly husband thinks I will remove an item from the closet to make room.... ha! Everybody....breathe in!
LeeAnna
Monday, September 16, 2013
this is how I feel at the computer
from tastefully offensive at http://tumblr.tastefullyoffensive.com/ |
I love blogging, and am happy you all are taking the trip with me. Stay tuned, lots more fun to come!
Don't forget to send help, either info or a dog carrying brandy. Both appreciated.
LeeAnna
Creativity Books
Fred Babb's poster hangs on the wall in front of my cutting table. Right now the cutting table is covered in stuff. So much stuff from the last three projects, purchases, scraps friends have given me, papers, etc. Next to the cutting table at the moment is my movable folding table that is also cutting table height. I use it to support a large quilt when I baste it. Right now it's also piled high. There is stuff on the sewing table.
But wait we are discussing creativity, right?
I checked Cameron's latest book out of the library, and here's me thinking I'll actually read it and do the exercises. I never read the first one all the way, and bought the next one, never read it either. Basically she seems to be saying the same thing: write three pages each day, do something fun once a week and walk.
Really I need to be able to harness the ideas, to create the time to make all the projects I've planned over the years. To have a clear space in which to make the projects. There is a lot more to living the creative life than getting ideas.
The books I've bought over the years and haven't read were on my list of things to do in 2013. I have opted to just make stuff so far, and haven't even cracked them open.
Still, I think, I'll increase my already overflowing creative idea bank account if I just read all these books.
I wonder if my books will be like the Harry Potter Book of Monsters, so when opened the concepts will leap out, growling and grab me. One can only hope.
Right now they remain on my to-do list, but get pushed back. One of my presentations to guilds is on becoming more creative and that concept is always in the front of my mind.
I am growing aware of the fact that one needs to be open to creativity, but also have a space ready to use it when the ideas come. I'll be exploring the way creative thought, organization of tools, arrangement of studio furniture, time management, body/family issues, and one's sense of self all work together.
For now the questions I have are, does clutter reduce creativity? How does workspace organization impact productivity? Do you overcome pain or let it interrupt your creativity? What impact does time or lack of it have? Do you buy books to help and not read them? Would they help or are they just the promise of possibility? I think these are universal questions among artists and fine craft makers.
LeeAnna
But wait we are discussing creativity, right?
I checked Cameron's latest book out of the library, and here's me thinking I'll actually read it and do the exercises. I never read the first one all the way, and bought the next one, never read it either. Basically she seems to be saying the same thing: write three pages each day, do something fun once a week and walk.
Really I need to be able to harness the ideas, to create the time to make all the projects I've planned over the years. To have a clear space in which to make the projects. There is a lot more to living the creative life than getting ideas.
The books I've bought over the years and haven't read were on my list of things to do in 2013. I have opted to just make stuff so far, and haven't even cracked them open.
Still, I think, I'll increase my already overflowing creative idea bank account if I just read all these books.
I wonder if my books will be like the Harry Potter Book of Monsters, so when opened the concepts will leap out, growling and grab me. One can only hope.
Right now they remain on my to-do list, but get pushed back. One of my presentations to guilds is on becoming more creative and that concept is always in the front of my mind.
I am growing aware of the fact that one needs to be open to creativity, but also have a space ready to use it when the ideas come. I'll be exploring the way creative thought, organization of tools, arrangement of studio furniture, time management, body/family issues, and one's sense of self all work together.
For now the questions I have are, does clutter reduce creativity? How does workspace organization impact productivity? Do you overcome pain or let it interrupt your creativity? What impact does time or lack of it have? Do you buy books to help and not read them? Would they help or are they just the promise of possibility? I think these are universal questions among artists and fine craft makers.
LeeAnna
Friday, September 13, 2013
Polynesian Poodle
POLYNESIAN POODLE (c) LAPaylor 2013 |
detail Polynesian Poodle |
sketch Polynesian Poodle |
When I approach this project, I do some research on the artist, google their art and quotes, info about their life and times. This time I watched a movie about Gauguin and a video on how to paint like him. I checked out library books on his art and life. It was a challenge to relate to his colors and content. Being drawn to the female figure, I finally got excited about the project when I sketched out the woman holding a poodle instead of a platter.
I'm glad to see the back of this project, but love the finished piece so once again, it's good to stretch yourself.
What are you doing to stretch yourself in art? I'd love to hear from you!
LeeAnna
For more STAT projects SEE THESE
Thursday, September 12, 2013
what do you think?
scrap play |
These are some little strips most under an inch wide. I am obsessed with this strip business and spend many happy moments happily sewing tiny colors together to see the pattern develop. It's my thing.
So I am playing with arrangement of this particular assortment of strips today instead of finishing the STAT project on Gauguin. I ran into a snag with binding that so it is in the corner thinking about what it did.
I wondered if anyone had an opinion of which arrangement is more pleasing, or artistic.
I expect I will turn this into either a small abstract piece, maybe wider than long, maybe even leaving some raw edges.
So what do you think? Any opinions?
LeeAnna
living the creative life while waiting for the next great idea
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Gotta treat yourself!
There's what on my food tray? |
out of focus from shaking with laughter |
Ben and Jerry's!
I couldn't resist just sticking my nose in it to get the full bouquet! It's an amusing little dessert! Hints of vanilla!
My people ate most of it, but that's for the best. A cold head rush is no joke for a poodle.
Note I left a few pieces of kibble in my bowl. I ALWAYS leave a few pieces, for the food goddess. It ensures the people will continue to refill the bowl each and every time I even look at it.
I manage to keep my figure, but the end of summer calls for a few treats, no?? Are you treating yourself?
Love, Cole
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Four seasons all in one
Fall Leaves on bricks |
Pinky-Winky Hydrangea |
Zinnia?? |
Winter view of summer The three bears |
Awwww, so cute the little family. Drew is dressed for the hot summer weather, and I am in cold weather garb as I'd been watching skating, Cole is wearing his summer version of a black fur coat.
There you have it, the merging of the seasons for today's post. I am finishing up the Gauguin piece and in love with it, here's a sneak peak...
Must leave you now to walk-with-poodle and work in the studio. Little bit of clearing, little bit of sewing.
LeeAnna
Sunday, September 8, 2013
just had to show you this...
for those of you unable to see this video, here is the link CLICK HERE
LeeAnna
Friday, September 6, 2013
Cole loves Fall
Cole loves Fall (c) LAPaylor 2003 |
I make story quilts, from my real life stories. There is one going on every day in my head. I see quilt-making opportunities throughout the day. I see pattern and color and think, how can I interpret that??
check out those teeth! |
It was a love affair from first sight of metallic threads. Shiny-sparkly you know.
Cole was just free form cut without a line drawing, as that's the kind of designer I usually am.
I love the little yarn couched around the four different borders as it picks up the colors and adds texture.
The teeth are 3-d and raw edged, just like in REAL life, ha! Poodle teeth are no joke y'all
It's a bit sad now that Cole is 11 and a grown-dog as he seldom shakes a twig. It did happen last year, and it was like he looked at me saying, remember when I used to do this? Oh I remember my sweet...
LeeAnna who also loves Fall
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Mums the word
purple mums |
September is bursting out in mums |
angelic mums |
What are you doing to sing in Fall? LeeAnna
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Gardens and Big Birthdays
Five Paylors -- the Italian Fountain Display |
I've seen this flower before but never the seed pod.
How colorful and shiny and round it was in person!
The artist in my wants to paint it, and the family would have had to put up with that if I'd remembered to bring my sketch pad and paints!
I didn't remember to bring my camera, me a blogger without a camera! These photos are courtesy of Drew's brother Stephen's lovely friend Debbie.
The other outstanding plants included enormous elephant ears taller than me, purple double trumpet flowers, hydrangeas called Pinky-Winky and a water lily display with pads 7 feet across. Did you know they have spikes along the underside of the lilypads to discourage fish bites? They were awesome after dark, spotlights on them with raindrops creating surrounding radiating circles.
We looked around the gardens, with thousands of other visitors, then enjoyed an evening dinner they called a barbecue. It was elegant outdoor dining, without bugs, and with personally designed ice cream desserts. The big show came next with colorfully lit fountains, music and fireworks. The impending rain and humidity made it even more intense as the fireworks dropped their ash right on our heads! The brilliant colors and unusual types of fireworks were outstanding! What a way to celebrate a new year of life! Hope this is your most important year yet with many more to come, John.
I'd like to end with the quote along the side of my blog, as it seems birthday worthy. Love LeeAnna
I am the sum of my history along with all the possibilities of tomorrow,
and define myself daily by decisions I make.
Every day is an opportunity to create, seek joy and display strength.
(c-2013 LA Paylor
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