To mark the 20th anniversary of my first baby quilt, I have been reflecting on what I have learned along the way. Creative Backstory is a series of blog posts each highlighting a different year. I invite you to share your creative backstory. Each day, I will post an optional prompt. Leave your response as a comment below or on my Serendipity Facebook page or use the tag #creativebackstory or Instagram and I will add your name to my Creative Backstory Giveaway. I look forward to reading about what has shaped your creative life.
No account of my creative backstory would be complete without mention of my Weekly Art Project and Natural Abstractions, my solo exhibition at Gosford Regional Gallery in early 2018.
In 2016/2017 I undertook a self-guided art project. Each week I completed a 6x6in textile sketch in abstract form reflecting my surroundings at Copacabana and posted a photo here on my blog. 52 weeks later, I had amassed the Copa Abstractions collection.
This project brought new purpose and focus to my creative practice. I observed my environment with fresh eyes and developed new skills. Most significantly I was immersed in the process of making on a regular basis even when I had other commitments outside my studio.
I mounted the 52 textile sketches in white, shadow-box IKEA frames (see tutorial) and the installation provided an engaging component of my solo exhibition Natural Abstractions. In addition, many of the studies were explored further in larger works. Echoes of the weekly art project continue to reverberate in my creative practice.
Sharing Stories: Prompt #11 & Giveaway
I invite you to share your creative backstory. Here is an optional prompt: have you participated in a regular creative project (eg daily, weekly, monthly, 100 day) ? what was the impact on your creative practice?
Leave your response as a comment below or use the tag #creativebackstory on Facebook or Instagram. I look forward to reading about what has shaped your creative life and will put your name into my celebratory giveaway. On 4 July, after I have completed Creative Backstory posts, I will select one commenter and, pandemic postal system permitting, this King Parrot textile sketch will wing its way to a new home.
Ellen Newman says
I listened to your presentation at the last Sydney quilt show, I was absolutely inspired. It would be my greatest wish to own one of your creations