I just added my latest work Upheaval #8 to my website. Strangely it does not feel finished. It is so rare that it happens but the vibe is very strong about this one.
Captivated by a wonderful piece of batik on an old Hong Kong Flour feedsack which I designed last year, I was seeking to create a piece that showed it off to its fullest and that I believe I accomplished. I was also trying to tie it into other surface design work and accomplished that. I ran into a roadblock in the construction process however which left me with a conundrum. So I went with plan B and it all worked out. I love the piece but don’t at the same time! So when I say it is not finished potentially that means I may once more alter the edges and/or size! Or I may instead learn from it and move on!
One of the things I find most interesting about art-making is often the pieces that are not our friends when finished go off to shine in the real world. Perhaps this will do the same…
I had a piece like that last year. It took me over a year to finish it; I struggled mightily with it. I never truly loved it but it has done better in the world than anything else of mine. It made a round of shows last year and won several prizes, but after a year I have decided to ‘retire’ it. I wish I could sell it, so I wouldn’t have to see it anymore!
I like this a lot, Carol. Interesting construction, as well. It’s a real challenge using handmade fabric, isn’t it…you want to use fabrics together but you want most of each piece to shine by itself, too!
I like it Carol, but you are the one who needs to be happy with it. I had a similar experience last year and eventually I added to and changed the quilt. I’m much happier with it now.