Focus

If you have been following my blog, you know that I have had some issues recently that are guaranteed to make a person think about their priorities and goals. None of us knows how long we will be able to do the things that might make a difference in our lives or in the world. For many years, I have been trying to discern what it is best for me to do.

Among other things, I have been trying to decide on a path for my artwork. After reading this book, I finally was able to narrow my art focus to two areas.

We Make Dolls 

 



My plan is to create dolls representing people from around the world and small wall hangings addressing environmental and social issues. It has been a number of years since I made dolls on a regular basis, but the example of artists like Mimi Kirchner reminds me of the joy I felt in creating them. In addition, the size of the priority quilt I made for AAQI or slightly larger feels much more "right" to me for my art.

It has been a long road to get to this point, and I know that it will take time to get production under way, but I feel I have finally made the breakthrough I needed. I am looking forward to sharing the results with you in future posts.

Until next time, I wish you peace & all good.

Hopes vs. Goals

I've been trying to figure out how to get motivated to start on the things I want to accomplish. Reading Mimi Kirchner's blog Doll finally gave me the method I needed. She talks, not about setting goals, but about making a list of "hopes for the new year." In that vein, I came up with the following:

Create prototypes for several products.

Finish and donate priority quilt to AAQI.

Learn to string dolls.

Learn new mixed-media techniques. As a start, I have begun the latest Strathmore Online Workshop, with Traci Bautista.

Set up an Etsy shop.

Clear out excess (both in my home and in my studio). One way I will be doing this is by using my stash as if it were a store, shopping there for supplies instead of going out for new things.

Finally, make progress on UFO's. Here, again, it is a way to clear out excess, and provide myself with the satisfaction of finishing projects already in process.

Additionally, I have finally begun to feel as if I am gaining control over my schedule, which has been one of the most difficult things I've encountered since I retired from the day job. My time is now divided by research, artwork, and volunteering. It feels as if 2012 is going to be a marvelous year!

I wish you the enjoyment of finding your path and learning to walk in it, and until next time, peace and all good.