One evening last summer as my husband & I were looking up at the moon, it was particularly luminous that night and peeking out from behind the branches of several trees.Their dark branches formed a filigree of interesting shapes with that fantastic moon behind them. One long look & we ran for the cameras.Shots were taken from every angle. Rapid fire, click, click, click.
My husband was thinking of capturing a great photo. I thought of that, but I was particularly doing what I call “think’n quilt”
Think’n quilt
Think’n quilt is seeing possible quilts in the world around you.Looking at what you find particularly intriguing or exciting with the thought in the back of your mind “Am I excited by the prospect of making an art quilt inspired by this?”
Many times these attention grabbers might be a fleeting image seen from the window of my moving car, then is quickly gone. I’m training myself to pull a U-turn and double back for a closer look, even though it’s inconvenient.
When I’m able to get a better look, if I like what I see, I’ll snap a few photos.
Later when I’m able to review the photos I’ve taken, if I’m still excited by something I’ve shot, into the inspiration file it goes.
Occassionally there’s an image which I can’t get out of my mind, I’ll continue to mentally explore possible approaches. I don’t want to squander that idea on something Ho Hum.
I find that when my quilts are based on ideas which excite me personally, I’m enthusiastic as I work. I can’t wait to see the results.If I love what I’m working on, I do my better work.
Possible quilt? Yes it’s in my file waiting
A few of the photos used in making “Moon Glow”
Here’s the quilt that came from that series of photos. “Moon Glow”.
About Myself & My Approach
Art has always played a role in my life, in one form or another. My family is filled with many artist's, so my love of art came naturally.
By my teens, I had narrowed my focus to painting. I decided I was going to become a serious painter. I joined the Las Vegas Artist's Guild at 15, the youngest member at that time.
I've continued to paint throughout my life. On occasion I've sold my work, but I had more important priorities, I was raising my children, part of that time as a single parent.
My circumstances have changed, the kids are grown and I have more time for Art. Art is a form of therapy for me.
I was introduced to quilting & fell in love.
In time I missed the creative freedom painting made possible.
Then I discovered mixed media fiber art, I was home.
MY APPROACH TO ART
It's the creative process that holds the greatest attraction for me. Starting with a tiny seed of an idea; vague and blurred around the edges, I follow where that leads.
My approach is an instinctual one. Generally, I do little pre-planning. I make creative decisions, choices, directions to take as they present themselves.
This approach can lead to quite a few changes in the direction the quilt takes. The outcome can come as a surprise. I love that element of surprise!
Sometimes everything just comes together & I think to myself, "this is one of my better ones". when that happens, I can’t wait to show someone. I feel like a six year old, running home from school, a drawing in hand, excited to show Mom. At those times. I'm smiling like the Cheshire cat.
I’ve had work published in several magazines., which is gratifying. But the most gratifying thing is having clients be really happy with their purchased art quilt.
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3 thoughts on “Inspiration,When the Moon Hits Your Eye”
Your “thinking quilt” is my “I see a quilt.” Since starting this blog, I have to admit, I generally see blog posts more often than quilts. It’s interesting when and how we get our inspiration.
I generally have no idea how to turn the vision into a real quilt; I’m far too new at the game. For now, I keep the pictures in a “quilt inspiration” file on my computer and I have a similar Pinterest board. Maybe one day I’ll learn what to do with them.
I have a moon quilt in my head. It’s going to be my summer project. Yours is gorgeous.
Leah I think you are “thinking quilt” already. Having a image in your mind that you feel would make a wonderful quilt and filing that away to ruminate on it, play around with the possibilities until your ready. I let them percolate for a while because I don’t want to squander it. Keep your file, cause I think you’ll make some of those ,maybe sooner than you think. Have lots of fun with your moon quilti this summer.
Your “thinking quilt” is my “I see a quilt.” Since starting this blog, I have to admit, I generally see blog posts more often than quilts. It’s interesting when and how we get our inspiration.
I generally have no idea how to turn the vision into a real quilt; I’m far too new at the game. For now, I keep the pictures in a “quilt inspiration” file on my computer and I have a similar Pinterest board. Maybe one day I’ll learn what to do with them.
I have a moon quilt in my head. It’s going to be my summer project. Yours is gorgeous.
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Leah I think you are “thinking quilt” already. Having a image in your mind that you feel would make a wonderful quilt and filing that away to ruminate on it, play around with the possibilities until your ready. I let them percolate for a while because I don’t want to squander it. Keep your file, cause I think you’ll make some of those ,maybe sooner than you think. Have lots of fun with your moon quilti this summer.
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Thanks. Fortunately, I have been welcomed by a group of very talented quilt artists. They have much to teach me.
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