Let's Talk Gatekeeping on Off the Wall Friday

Ain't THAT the truth!

It's an odd place to be.. .a 35 year veteran of one craft .... quilting and a rank amateur of another... rug hooking.  After doing something for 30 years, you get to know most of the answers.  Diving in deep on rug hooking, the more I know, the more I realize I don't know.  Luckily, I've found a circle of ladies that are happy to share their opinions on things (and let me tell you, rug hookers are strong in their opinions).  One of my favorite 90 minutes of the week is the Saturday rug hook-in sessions, Cindi Gay hosts.  There anybody can bring their project and just hook and listen and

Psalm 12, Nina-Marie Sayre, 2001

chat...and it's free.    It's amazing what you can learn when you listen in on one of these hook-in's.  They are so free with their knowledge.

Recently, I heard the story about how when a new hooker asked another hooker if she could try her hook to see if she liked that kind....the lady promptly said no.  As you can imagine, the asker was taken aback and embarrassed.  The story brought back memories of older more experienced quilters being "mean girl" cruel to me.  It also brought memories of the class 25 years ago where fellow classmates Phillipa Naylor and Christine Fries generously filled in the gaps of my limited knowledge, so I was able to make my first art quilt.  Not for the first time, do I wonder, where would I be if they hadn't helped me that year.  That quilt gave me hope that I too, could maybe become an artist.  

That's why gatekeeping really boils my blood.  For those of you not up on the latest slag:

I don't think we find it so much in quilting, but I have heard of it more in rug hooking.  There are teachers who are afraid to teach too much worrying that a student won't return if they've learned too much.  There are people who will call copyright on the simplest designs.  For that matter, in the world of rug hooking, if you buy a pattern, you are only allowed to make one rug from that pattern.  I could go on, but I don't want to malign all rug hookers under this rant because there many, many generous ladies...  But still, I've seen it enough where it makes me do a double take...like What did they just say?

I find the whole idea of gatekeeping foolish and counterproductive.  In the words of Mother Teresa, "As we serve others we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts".  You never know what you'll learn by helping someone else, but you do know you will learn.  Gatekeeping your knowledge will just end up with you creating in a little box of your own making.  

Not to mention, why do Gatekeepers think they know so much and only they are entitled to that knowledge.  Like everyone knows there is nothing truly original in this world.  I mean how did they learn it?  Someone - somewhere had to open a gate to teach them right?

From How to Steal like an Artist, by  Austin Kleon

Like I said, annoying!  I could rant some more, but I'm choosing to be the kind of rug hooker that lays it all out there for the world and to that end....

On this week's

Rug Watch....I finished the Melon and now it's on to more grapes.  This time I got smart and am doing all the same value grapes at once which makes gradating them easier.  Looking at my progress, I'm noticing that I should start designing my next.  I have a good idea what it's going to be but I'll save that for another post.

So, What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?

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Creativity in the Face of Adversity on Off the Wall Friday

 For all my US readers...well it's been a week, hasn't it?  No matter what your political views, I'm sure
I'm not alone to say, this week has been A LOT.  Raise your hand, if you've had enough politics to last you four years?  Living in Pennsylvania, it's been kinda like being the most popular girl at the dance.  THEN living in Erie County, just doubles that.  Apparently, unbeknownst to me, the saying goes in the political world...the way Erie County goes is the way the country will go.  We've picked the winner for the last 36 years.  Who knew?  All I can say is that when you drive down any street and see opposing political yard signs on every other yard, well, let's just say, "We take this $#@! seriously".  

And I've had enough.

But it got me thinking, with all this going on how does one keep creating?  How does one stay grounded in the here and now so not to get caught up in the drama and the rhetoric that seems to be the Special of the Day?  I don't know about you but when I'm not creating, it really effects the quality of my life.  

So for you that are hurting this week, I offer up some ways to create in adversity...

• Embrace the Chaos.  I really think the scariest part of adversity is the loss of control and certainty.  Use that emotion, to step out of your comfort zone and explore what it feels like.  How?  Use colors you hate, try new techniques, explore avenues you never even thought to go down.  If it doesn't work out you can always just say - well ya know, it was 2024

• 

  Order Through Chaos by Robert Ball 

  
  
• Seek Unity.  OMG, how many times have I heard that come from both sides this week.  I mean, they just spent all year tearing the country apart and NOW you say seek unity.  But I really mean it.  One of the best ways to discover a new creative path, is to explore other ideas and cultures.  Why do you think one way and they think another.  The word diversity has gotten a total bad rap.  I think it's because it's not often paired with commonality.  When you bring the two things together, great things can happen.  That's a lot of words to say this - don't be afraid to step out of your bubble  - invite someone into your bubble and find something in common.

  

  Harmony by Alima Newton

  
  
• Calm Down.  Once again, the internet - a blessing and a curse.  The 24 hr news cycle has made things look worse than they are.  Stay grounded in the things that really matter.  Quietness is not the enemy here.  Peaceful music  - maybe a walk - browsing through your favorite art book.  Silence can lead to new ideas - away from craziness.  
• 
  
  

Rant over.  I know it's easy for me to say because I've always been pretty pragmatic and a middle ground kind of chick. But truly...

Elections come and go.

But art is here forever.  

So What Have You've Been Up to Creatively?

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Being Pulled into All Directions on Off the Wall Friday

 I remember when my daughter was growing up, I used to think of May as social season. It's that time of year where they are end of school year activities galore, graduations, weddings, family picnics, and beginning of the summer festivals.  Even now that Tessa is 26, it's still going on!

Finally, after 24 years of going to school, her education ended with her receiving her Master of Art degree from Mercyhurst University.  Looking back at the beginning at the Early Learning Lab in Edinboro University in 2000, I'm still a little shocked that my plan came together.  I wanted her to have a well rounded education, to learn how to think for herself and to find a creative endeavor that will help her through the bad times.  I'm so proud of her. 

Of course it doesn't end there.  We are in the middle of two renovations with one having to necessitate moving my quilt/art book collection.  My husband never gave me a hassle about my stash but apparently the book collection nearly put him over the edge.  He loves me.

I need a little quiet and for the second week in a row I haven't found any.  It's funny how life goes that way!

Rant over

What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

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Off the Wall

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Build Your Own World on Off the Wall Friday

(The following post comes with a "My Opinion Only" Warning and you are more than welcome to disagree)

Look, I know artwork like everything else goes in and out of fashion.  But lately, I've noticed a LOT of art quilt work that is more derived from rather than inspired by another artist.  Now, I'm not talking about direct copying and using for profit as this article shows.   More like I see art quilts that look more like they were done by the same artist when they haven't been.

You can see where this can easily and innocently happen.  For instance, many famous art quilters are now giving classes online.  People take their classes because they admire their teacher's work. Now the student's work starts down the same creative path as the teacher.  It feels very derived.

The problem I have with that is that's where it ends.  The student doesn't grow.  I remember Timna Tarr saying (and I'm paraphrasing so forgive me Timna!), "The most enjoyment I get from teaching this class is seeing what my students do with it.  I hope you all come back with new ways to use what you learn this week."  I thought she pretty much said what all teachers hope. 

For the record, this rant isn't just directed toward art quilters but also traditional quilters!  Just because you're a traditional quilter doesn't mean you have to always follow the pattern of another designer.  (Of course, there is nothing wrong with that if that is what you want to do - revel in the craft of quilting.)  Still, as a traditional quilter, you too can develop a unique voice.

That said.....

 There is a lot of value in copying.

Wait!  What?!?

Yep, it's a great way to learn a technique or learn how to create different effects in your art.  Not to mention to gain confidence to move forward. So copy one.   But then what do you do?

Take what you made and play "What If"

• cut it apart and rearrange it
• change the values
• crop out small sections and change the scale of them
• keep the composition but use a new technique
• keep the technique but use a new composition  

You get the idea.  These are just a few....but the piece may still seem derived.  Now what?  Take the element you really like the most from your second piece and use THAT as the jumping-off place for your new piece.  Not only will your quilt feel more like you but it will be more fun to work on because it was your "favorite" part of the last two pieces.  

This is not the first time I've had this rant on this blog, it's just that after seeing the work that is being made out there, I thought was a good time to revisit the concept of developing your own style from what you have learned.  I know its harder.  I know you have to be braver.  But it will be well worth it!!

You find more posts on this subject under the tag "Steal Like an Artist"

This is what I've been thinking about as I spend hours hand appliquing...

What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

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The Color Cabal - It's a thing on Off the Wall Friday

 My day job is selling clothing.  Today, as I sold my 13th coral almond shirt, it had me asking - Why coral almond?  I'm not overly fond of the color, but my customers are eating it up (well not literally).  I long for the days of lime green which I love...but nope it's all about coral this year.  WHY?

Welllll....apparently..... there is a handful of companies whose job it is to decide what are the "In" colors are this year.  How?  Through a lot of research in cultural and psychological trends.  The crazy thing is that it's done years in advance!  Then these companies sell their services to fashion designers, paint companies, interior decorators, and even toy manufacturers!  Any company that has something to design needs to know what the next in-vogue colors are going to be.  

So what are the colors of 2023?

Verdigris - a bluish, greenish, gray that my company calls lagoon!

Tranquil Blue - we call it powder blue

Digital Lavender - Or our Dusty Lavender

Luscious Red - or the dreaded Coral

Sundial  - or Golden Sundance 

Let me tell ya, once you are "in the know" and you see them...it's hard to unsee them.  They are EVERYWHERE.  If you don't believe me, take a walk around your favorite store and start counting every time you see one!

Is it just me or is there something sinister about a secret cabal determining the colors the rest of us are going to have to live with all year?  Maybe it's just the fact that I'm the one that has to explain to my customer why they can't find their favorite shade of cherry red because this is the year of coral.  (It's true - not a cool red to be found!  It's about that warm orangish red).  It's annoying.  The only good thing is that if you don't like this year's colors, the cabal will come up with a whole other set next year!

So that's my rant of the week...

What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

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BOM - Month 5 on Off the Wall Friday

Helen's EQ8 mock-up

Under the wire, I finished up May's section of the Quilt Show's Block of the Month quilt.  I won't lie, it was a struggle.  This month's section was the flying geese that surround the elaborate medallion center.  I spent a good 10 days hmmmmming.....hawwwwwwing on exactly how I was going to handle the color placement of the geese.  When I spoke up about these concerns on the quilts forum, Helen W used her EQ8 to come up with a quick mock-up (Cool right?).  Several quilters were going with solid flying geese and they really seem to anchor the piece.  With a little more thought though, I decided that I would use prints and value changes to give a bit of movement.  I decided the corner sprigs would anchor the borders.  Problem #1 solved.

Next, I spent 2 - yes 2 - weeks struggling with getting the half square triangles right.  After 30 years you'd think I would have the skill down pat, but no.  I had to remind myself more than once that the reason why I was doing this piece was to hone my traditional skills.  Apparently, this was going to be one of them.  I did stick to my rules and used the designer's method which I actually found pretty user-friendly.  About 70% of them turned out right.  The first set, no lie, I probably did 3 times.  By the last set, I flew through them.  So the old adage is true...practice makes perfect.  As Rebecca Grace says, "Getting them just right is SO SATISFYING!"  She's right too.  It gave me a Victory Rush!  Problem #2 solved.

It's now the last week of the month and only the little applique sprigs to finish.  Easy right?  Ya

< know, I want to preface this with I have an engineering degree with many, many years of math behind me.  Somehow, I missed the fact that 4 borders have 2 sprigs each that had 4 leaves each and that would add up to 32 leaves.  Let me repeat that 32 leaves to hand applique.   At about 15 minutes each that is 480 minutes or 8 hrs of hand applique.  Oh and lest I forget the 8 little circles that went on the end of the sprig.

So now you know, why I only managed to finish June 1.  But why am I stressing you ask?  Because the minute you fall behind on a BOM it's HELL to catch up.  I've learned the hard way, that the best way to get a big project done is a chunk at a time on a strict schedule.  

And it's done.

On to Month 6.

Enough about me....

So What Have You Been Up to Creatively?

(I'm linking this week up to Kathy's SlowStitch Sunday)

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The Word of the Year: Connect on Off the Wall Friday

Can you believe I've been active online since 1998?  I've been writing this blog since June 2009.  22 years online....geesh... Honestly, I don't know where the time goes.  I knew the internet  was going to be a game-changer on how we communicate but really not nearly to what extent.  I remember learning how to communicate in my first chat room, joining my first online quilt group, making my first cyber best friend (Julia in AK by way of Nebraska).  I joined quilt block exchanges, millennial charm exchanges, round robins.  If it had to do with quilting, I did it.    It seemed like the whole world was suddenly discovering a way to connect through shared interests.  It was exhilarating and sometimes a bit overwhelming.   

As the internet insinuated itself into all facets of our life, that sense of connection became more and more commonplace.  The novelty of it wore off and I at least take it for granted.  I used to spend hours emailing my cyberfriends, but now I might just take a quick glance at blogs and Quilt Art on Facebook.  I miss my quilt list emails and my quilt group The Crazyquilters. That sense of connection is not nearly as strong.

Then came Covid which only added another wall to us staying connected.  Sure, everyone learned how to Zoom and Facetime but it's not nearly the same.  Little by little, things seem so much more isolated

So I'm bringing back an old tradition.  On our quilt art mail list every year, we would take this week and pick words that would represent the new year.  I  really loved learning what words people picked and why.   This year, my word is Connect.  I am going to make a conscious effort to stay connected in person as well as by email with my fellow artists and quilters.    I don't know about you but honestly, I can't stand trying to communicate in 45 characters or less.  Also, I never bought the idea of Instagram with its instant gratification of images scrolling by.  Don't EVEN get me started about Tic Toc where it seems like an endless rabbit hole of "Look at me, Look at me".  No, this year is about making real connections with real people.

I am going to erase the phrase "Social Distancing" from my vocabulary.  There are ways to be safe without hiding away in your room.  I found the last two years disheartening and lonely.  Enough is enough.  

To that end, I did plan a 5-day art quilting class.  Normally, I would plan Quilting by the Lake and John

Timna Tarr

C Campbell.  But no plans for QBL have been announced and JCC is sticking to its mask, plexiglass, vaccination mandates.  So this year, I'm heading to Marc Adams School of Woodworking.  YEP !! You read that right.  I'm going to go to woodworking school with my husband.  Paul has been going to Marc Adam's school for 23 years now.  Because of it, he's become this amazing artisan woodworker.  Now, Marc is offering other craft classes there including - wait for it - art quilting.

I plan on taking a class with Timna Tarr called Stitched Mosaics.  Although nothing exactly new to me, it looks like it will be fun and interesting.  Plus Paul can take a woodworking class and we can enjoy each other's company on our 29th wedding anniversary week.  Included with the class, are daily lunches and one dinner/lecture.  Not to mention, it's in Indiana and I love the midwest in the summer!  Finally, some time to connect without a screen or plexiglass to interfere. 

The class is still open if anybody wants to come and connect with me!

So What is Your Word of the Year and Why?

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