A couple of weeks has passed since the show. I have finally gotten some distance from the worry and the stress. Despite alleviating the frustrations that came with time, the burden of next year started looming over my head the minute I picked up my quilts and left. Determination has not left my shoulders. The blind fold that it lends intimates a darkness that my hands cannot stitch through without bright light and steady breathing. As for the yoke I donned for 2019, it put me at the table to work before I had nary a clue of rest. The vein I work in now has no name. All I know is that I have to pace each stitch with clarity instead of care. The drive seems to be for technical excellence, but that is never where my heart rested. I always presumed it would come with practice and repetition. Rendering a clear vision is where I was sitting last year, but mostly in writing. The bent unified with my flirtatiousness in designing tarot cards. The concern has had an effect on my writing as well as visual art. In that vein, a clear image that creates a dominant interpretation is where I sit. Multiplicity and depth comes with research. I'll leave that to the viewer for now.
As for my hands, I am tired. The first week after the show I dealt with pain I had not experienced before in my shoulders and forearms. I tried to put most tasks aside, but when work calls who is to answer when there is no one but you. Trying different tasks with my hands helps vary the types of strain on my arms. From sweeping the floor and washing dishes to brushing my teeth and driving, switching up does not allow the pain to linger or strain very long.
My best kept secret since winter's cold broke is that I am making dream catchers. A mentor from long ago showed me how and I cling to the activity most winters through spring. The structure is non-traditional and I use whatever the wind blows into the yard besides digging into my bin of crafting supplies. There is five to count so far. They hang off the trees and bushes in the front and back yards. The best addition is the ribbons I tied to both sides of the frame. They flutter continuously in the March wind. I wrapped vine and fresh supple tree limbs to make frames last week. They are still drying on the garden fence. I hope to finish the cache and have them hung by late April. Honestly? Sitting outside in sun and rain while weaving the design has made post-show blues evaporate. As for gouging the groove, I've got the tree runners to commit to as well. Pulling out the sewing machine is the only thing holding me back as well as arguing for archival creation. I have what I have and that is that. Breaking the budget by buying waterproof fabric is not rational. The pieces will dry out and you know? I can make them again and swap out when I have the cash to commit. Meanwhile a slower pace and non-competitive tasks for me may suit the whole household better.
As ever, stay hungry and curious.