New Beginnings ~ My "Art Every Day" Project for 2013

Art Every Day ~ Day #1, Tuesday, January 1, 2013

I'm one of those rare people who feel that blogging can be very self centered and boring (I say as I sit here writing in hopes that someone will be reading...). So, I don't like to do it unless I feel like I've got something valuable to offer.  Last year and the year before, it was easy for me to add entries because I was doing my "Machine Quilting Challenge". Many of you joined me in that journey and I thank you for the company.

Well, I've been wanting to get back to the blogging, but have been waiting to be inspired by a new idea to share.  Low and behold, as I was up late one night I came across some art on the web that led me to  the website of an artist that was creating something every day.  So, after I entered the words "art every day" into my search box, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people are making art every day.

I am constantly advising my students to find a way to include creative endeavors in their lives every day, but in the last year, I've struggled to get into my personal studio.  I spend so much time in the highly creative activity of dyeing fabrics, fibers and other goodies, that I thought I was getting my creative juices going on a regular basis - but, not so much.

So, I've decided to challenge myself - really challenge myself and not only spend creative time in my studio each day, but to make a finished piece of art every day.  Yes, every day. I was really surprised at how many of my co-workers and friends tried to talk me out of the "every day" idea, suggesting once a week instead.  But, like many other creatives, I really need the daily practice so, I am not heeding their advice, instead, I'm jumping in nipples and all! Here are the parameters that I've set up to follow;

• Each piece will measure 9" x 11" - This will make them easy to store and easy to show.
• Each piece will be made from nothing but my own hand dyed/hand painted products - I don't want to invite any other artists into my playroom.
• Each piece will include layering and machine stitch - no piecing allowed. It takes too long and I don't really like it much.
• I will strive to finish each piece in just one hour - strive, but not kill myself doing so!
• My goal is to use the experience to learn more about the interaction of shape and line with negative space. I will also work on adding movement and direction to each piece.
• Each day I will upload a photo of each new piece to this blog and will add just a few sentences to describe the process of making it or what I learned.

The photo above is my first piece. It uses a base of dye painted batting, some solid black canvas, hand painted cotton and hand dyed cotton and cheesecloth. I really liked it until I added the stitched black flowers. They make the negative space too crowded.  I've got to learn that just because I like to stitch something doesn't mean that it's going to look good where I stitched it (I know this - I just don't like practicing it!)

Happy New Year to You All,
Heather