The start of a new year is an opportunity for me to revise and reset the S.M.A.R.T. parameters for my Monthly Art Project. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for: specific, measurable, achieveable, realistic and timebound.With this in mind, this is my pledge:
Each month (January-June 2019), I will make a 30x30cm (12x12in) textile sketch that is based on the view from my studio overlooking Copacabana and Allagai Bay.
This builds on the experience of my Weekly Art Project (2016-2017) and Taking Shape:Cues from Nature (2018), not to mention the Twelve by Twelve International Art Quilt Challenge (2007-2012), and I am excited.
January at the Beach
Several days this month have been marked by unusually dense and persistent sea fog but this isn’t the seascape I had in mind:
More typically, high summer means sun, sand and surf with a throng of holiday makers spread along the shore with umbrellas, beach shelters and towels. The surf life savers (council workers on weekdays, volunteers on weekends) are deck outed in eye-catching red and yellow.
I made a quick digital sketch and selected some hand-dyes in a matching palette. Then I started freeform piecing – intentionally changing the scale of my piecing to depict the waves breaking and foaming onshore.
Stitching creates welcome texture and interest. This is why I work with textiles! Stitching takes time but it is so worth it.
Allagai: High Summer 30x30cm Brenda Gael Smith
View the Allagai collection on my website as it develops.
I invite you to join the Monthly Art Project and set S.M.A.R.T. parameters for your creative practice. The Facebook group provides a supportive and encouraging space as we each pursue our own self-directed M.A.P. and share our process and results.
Join the Monthly Art Project: Bloom in 2019!
The Monthly Art Project Facebook Group is open to any artist in any medium with a showcase on the 15th day of each month. New participants are welcome at any time. The project will continue until 30 June 2019.
