Spirit Cloth

freedom of stitch

....for the longest time i was wrapped up in perfecting techniques. and although perfection is a sign of skill, like any rule it is a limitation. it encourages you to do things over and over. it can harbor fear and anguish and above all, pride.

.....a while back, victoria sent me a scrap of indian cloth, once a pillow cover.. and well i love things that are worn so i loved it a lot. i have recently used some of this treasure for the fever quilt (later) and i stopped long enough to notice the amazing amount of construction techniques involved in one piece. i have always admired the patchwork, applique and embroidery that comes from india. the amazing color and texture and design. but never did i notice before the freedom with which it is executed. there is a generous thrift , common sense and creativity involved in making something from what is on hand. inventing in the moment, riches from rags. something all your own.
with this little journey, i have been inspired to free up my approach, to move forward more freely and see where it leads. using methods as they occur to me and combining them where it makes sense to do so.

perhaps we should be working on perfecting acceptance of who we are rather than demanding perfection of a dream of who we are not. being there ...that is the issue. like a child. learning. inventing. what better place could there be?

the thread bearer

the small journey also requires luggage.  

wordless day #2

a small journey

....it seems i have wandered away to a place without words.

patchwork rainbow

sometimes the stylization of an image totally has to do with the medium in which you work.

there is an interesting post over at ragged cloth cafe....

personally i think the things that comfort you are learned. taught or experienced. and ultimately  remembered and therefore familiar. and why you choose certain forms of visual representation, well it has a lot with what you are comfortable with but it has a lot to do with the limitations of your technique.

some things seem universally beautiful or pleasing. it could be because there are certain things that are common to our experience. this is a comforting thought.