Monday, December 31, 2012

Goals Update

It's that time of year, again isn't it?  It comes around faster and faster each year.  Here is my assessment of accomplishments and outlook for 2013, trying to see things in a positive light, and not beat myself up.

My posted "Art Quilting Resolutions" for 2012 were:


2012 ART QUILTING RESOLUTIONS

  • 1 - Focus on 2 classes for fall
  • 2 - Focus on Art Quilts
  • 3 - Study and practice Crow assignments
  • 4 - Work in a Series: Strip Piecing
  • 5 - Work in a Series: Map Quilts
  • 6 - Prioritize "Painted Lady" quilt
  • 7 - Resist temptation to do "functional" stuff
  • 8 - Learn all I can from the GT's.
  • 9 - Finish or give up on the current UFO's
  • 10 - Learn to use Photoshop and take better photos


In brief, I'd rank my success:

1 - 100% -  The classes were definitely my priority
2 - 80% -  Most of what I spent time on was art quilts (but see 7.)
3 - 80% - In addition to the strip piecing series, and finishing Filmstrip I started an abstract curve piece and made an improvisational piece from Filmstrip leftovers.
4 - 100% - Did this.
5 - 0% - Didn't do this.
6 - 0% - This ceased to be a priority
7 - 50% - I only partially resisted.  Started a quilt for my granddaughter, and an iPad case for a friend.
8 - 100% - The group has disbanded but I did learn all I could in the meantime.
9 - 30% - Finished a couple, I think, and gave up on a couple.
10 - 40% - Did some work with Ps on the Petunias.

Considering the move/remodel/new studio I think I did fairly well in putting in time in the studio.  I did not succeed in creating any sort of standard schedule, but my life is never standardized enough!  Of the time I put in, I'm about 75% satisfied with what I chose to do with that time.   I am disheartened to note that I really didn't finish ANYTHING, but since the focus for both Nancy Crow and Lisa Call was to create quilt TOPS, I should not feel that way.  Unfinished pieces was my GOAL for goodness sake.

So in that vein,  in 2012 I created the following quilt tops:

1.  Background Noise
2.  Filmstrips
3.  Filmstrips improv
4.  Golden Mean Series #1
5.  Golden Mean Series #3
6.  Golden Mean Series #4
7.   WIS maquette
8.  FFF Challenge #66 - Starry Night

I also started several new projects, and rather than be depressed about them adding to the UFO list, I am feeling more positive, because they took me in the right direction...   The curved piecing study has already taught me (again) that curves are harder than they look.  The other two Golden Mean pieces maybe unfinished and ugly, but I learned a lot (color, value, composition, figure/ground).  So that is three more "studies" completed.

I also started some non-art things, and rather than beat myself up, I need to acknowledge that there will be down times (like after completing my two classes on Dec. 11) that I need to let my brain rest, and if it gets the urge to make a quilt for a granddaughter out of Kaffe Fassett fabrics, well - let it!  It's almost done already, (the top) and I promise I'll post it soon.   It also taught me a lesson about value - I generally tend to go much too much toward middle tones, and end up without enough contrast.  I made the reverse mistake in G.M. #2 and #3, so maybe I'll learn eventually.

I also learned that if my brain is feeling an overwhelming urge to do something, like try paper piecing, I should just do it.  Because I'm likely to try it, understand it, not like it so much and get over it, whereas if I resist doing it, it continues to haunt me, and I spend time thinking, sketching, Pinteresting, etc.  I tried enough of this method to learn that it is really fun, in small doses, and probably the only way I'll ever create anything detailed, intricate and precise.  

There, now that feels like a more satisfying annual report! 


Incorporating what I've learned about myself, my goals, and my available time, 2013's goals are:

2013 ART QUILTING RESOLUTIONS
1.  Prepare for March Crow workshops by working on similar assignments, finishing one large?
2.  Create pieces for at least two shows, SAQA due Feb. 28th, and Whatcom Museum due May 15.  
3.  Look for other exhibition opportunities that match up with what I want to do anyway.
4.  After Crow workshops focus on free motion quilting by finishing UFO's.
5.  After Crow workshops assess where I am with a "voice," and where I want to go.
5.  Learn to dye fabric, focus on solids.
6.  Continue learning Photoshop Elements.
7.  Learn all I can from members of my small group.
8.  Continue studying - modern art, abstraction, color, theory, composition, etc. either on my own or in classes.





2 comments:

  1. Awwww you could have skipped the iPad case in favor of something else important!

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    1. It would have been something else then. I am GOING to finish that thing, it is now a challenge!!

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