In the Beginning

So here is where it starts...well, maybe not completely.

Here is the back story.   I lived my life feeling deficient in the creativity department.  Growing up, my Mother was always recognized as gifted.  Interior design, cooking, drawing, a flair for fashion.  She is a big bright personality and I never thought of myself in those same terms.  My sister, Roberta, got the creative gift.  An amazing interior designer, she also has talents in painting, flower design, gardening.  Really she can do anything she sets her mind to.

Back in 2003, my mother was in town for a visit and my sister invited her to go to a two day watercolor class.  As an after thought, I was invited to tag along.  More for a bonding experience then actually a belief that I would have any skill.  I think I was the back up to assure that their was at least one student in class that was less accomplished then they (teeheehee!)  I felt very intimidated to go to the class but wanted to spend the time with my mother and sister.  My biggest fear was that I would paint something and have it not be recognizable.  After all, I hadn't had an art class since  seventh grade! 

To my surprise, and everyone else's... I wasn't awful.  I really enjoyed the class and discovered that if I took my time I could get acceptable results.


So, I started practicing.  Started practicing in a lot of different media such as acrylics, mixed media, jewelry making.  Loved it all but I've not been confident enough to share.

During this time, I was developing a love affair with art quilting.  I religiously watched "Simply Quilts" with Alex Anderson.  I was astonished at what they were doing with fabric.  I couldn't see enough!  But, resources were scarce and I had little idea how to proceed.  So, I dabbled.

Then, in around 2007? I was in Borders and my life changed.  I discovered my first issue of Quilting Arts Magazine.  Shazam!!!  What a world and how happy it made me!  Not only the articles, but also the website and blog information regarding the featured artists.  I immediately started following my favorites.

Things were slow for awhile due to working for several years as a costume designer for my daughters high school.  A HUGE task that I deeply loved.  I will post more on that later.  But, during this time I continued to observe and collect as much information as possible.

With the encouragement of Belinda Spiwack, I went to Chicago for International Quilt Festival.  It was again a life changing experience.  I was able to meet IRLsome of the artists that I had been following.  Some of them have become friends.  And everyone I meet, always, always asked about my blog.  My nonexistent blog.  I explain that I do this in my spare time and that I am not really truly an "Artist.". They always disagree.  They insist that I claim it.

The number of requests for my blog address had me thinking I  needed a blog.

Then, this week I signed up for Kelli Rae online ecourse Growing Your Creative Biz.  Not that I necessarily want a full time business at this point in time.  I would like to start becoming serious about my artwork and eventually when I retire from my career in social work, I would like to publish and teach.  I love, love, love creative retreats and can see a future in organizing and presenting in such venues.

So, the ecourse has advised a blog.  "You've got to put yourself out there if you want the universe to come rushing in.". So here I am.  Putting it out there.

I started this blog back in 2009, then I let life get in the way...

I am back and ready to share my creative journey.  I am hopeful that this blog keeps me inspired.  Sharing my explorations, my successes, and my failures with others will help me avoid the UFO syndrom.  Unfinished Objects everywhere!!!  I am determined to make 2016 the year I finish every last UFO that is currently in my studio space!  Hold me accountable, PLEASE!!!

To begin, there will be a series of posts showcasing prior projects and creative endeavors.  Then, as new projects are started and completed I will post those too.