Finally an idea is taking shape.

My motivation for signing up for this challenge was to stretch my artist abilities and step outside my comfort zone. I want to create pieces that have some level of unexpectedness as it relates to my style, exploring new techniques and trying different approaches. I am finding out this may be easier said than done….

Also, so much for any preconceived notion that the person who selects the theme for a challenge already has an idea in mind! I have really been struggling with ‘initiative’. I was starting to feel a little panicky and wondering if anything would ever start to crystallize. A few things have been rolling around in my brain but nothing I could really get excited about. I had made a couple of weak attempts at mind mapping and sketching but nothing was working.

Finally the other morning when I was still lying in bed, I thought of a piece hand dyed fabric that I bought about a year and a half ago. You may have one like this, a color you don’t usually use but for some reason you had to have it and you love it so much that you take it out once in a while to look at it but the thought of using it and possibly messing it up is terrifying. Looking at this fabric finally gave my idea legs and I did a couple of rough sketches that I think can work.

I am still in the process of finalizing my thoughts and looking at fabrics. I have also been looking through some of my favorite books on design and have been doing some experiments with a few techniques. I hope to start the construction process next week. I am as anxious as anyone to see the results.