Being inspired by Jude I've been working on small pieces all fall. They are "my size job" at this point because starting school is always so time consuming. So working small makes it possible for me to find a few moments here and there to stitch. These pieces eventually will be sewn onto my bigger covering cloth.
Then having spent the morning reading a number of ragmates blogs I realize that there is actually a story here that is emerging from all these pieces. I feel both a sense of excitement but also vulnerability to reveal my internal places. But here goes.
Fear has always been a large part of my life from the very beginning. In fact the stitching, creative process is one of the few places I don't feel as much fear. So I decided to stitch fear.
Then I realized that I had actually stitched fear about 8 years ago. I immediately thought of how often Jude talks about how one can see the trail of ones ideas in their work over time. The subject of fear has been present all the while in my work.
For me it is interesting to look at both of these pieces and see where there are similarities and differences. Being caught in the circle of fear is an image that continues to stay with me. But somehow I feel hopeful that the warm bright colors of my recent stitching shows more opening and possibility. That I might be a little less imprisioned by my fear.
But then much to my amazement I realized that the other things that I have been stitching are actually part of the story of fear. That the beasts I have been stitching are big, strong and magical that might be able take on the fear.
And te next part of the story is swans. Swans are for beauty. The story of the Ugly Duckling has always resonated in my life. I create things that I consider beautiful but have a hard time finding that same beauty inside of me. Swans have an "S" swoop of their necks and manifest a stately grace.
And then there are hearts. There are always hearts in my life. Heart shaped rocks, stitched hearts, paper hearts. Hearts are about love and creating a container of safety for me. There are five more ready to be stitched. I don't think I can ever have enough hearts. The dance of fear and love, ummm
So amazingly it is a story. I've been stitching a story that helps me in ways that I don't think I can begin to express. But it is a good thing. And even better that there is a visual way to share. Thanks for visiting!