Creative Clutter and Messages From the Universe

In the past few days I have experienced the "serendipity" of having the Universe send me messages in different places.

While leafing through the Sunday local paper I came upon the horoscope page, which I occasionally read. Scorpio's horoscope for that day was: "You will succeed after a period of experimentation. So don't be too afraid about making the wrong choice. Wrong choices will inform you and make your work complex and wonderful."

Two days later, I tear off my daily calendar page and uncover the following advice: "So we made a mistake. That's what humans do--make mistakes so we have the opportunity to learn. So?"

SO: this is something I have been working on for awhile....being fearless...going with my gut instincts while working on my art, and doing my best to not worry about whether it is "right" or "wrong". Just creating intuitively and seeing what happens. Not everything is wonderful, but I am really enjoying the freedom and process.

I read somewhere once, that when you have a serendipitous moment you should go beyond thinking "oh, that was a coincidence", and go deeper...it happened for a reason, and you should not just blow it off. So, I like to think of these moments as the Universe trying to tell me something. And I try to listen.

Resistance

Here is the point at which I seem to freeze up....right here at the source. I am talking about my lack of blog posts. One of my New Years resolutions was to post more frequently here...like in every other day. But for some reason I find myself resisting. I'm hoping that with this post, I will have broken the pattern. Time will tell, I guess. Maybe saying it "out loud" right here, will make me more accountable.
Anyone else have trouble with this? Any advice??
Signed,
Stuck in Resistance Land

New Year: New Work

Each new year gives us a chance for "new beginnings". I have looked back over 2009 and am rather pleased with what I accomplished. But there is always more to be done. Looking forward to 2010, I too have my list of "resolutions". I have some art marketing and art making goals, plus some personal goals, such as being a better listener, and eating less/no meat. We'll see how it all goes.
In the mean time I have some new artwork to share. The piece to my right has a wool embellished applique of my hand in the middle. The piece over my left shoulder was actually a "test" piece I used to practice stitches and tension on. I added a few intentional things and voila:
a happy little "extra".

Christmas Commission

These are meant to be framed and hung in a row, like in the picture below.

The guidelines I was given for this commission were 3 wreaths with red bows that will be framed and hung together. I used fusible web and raw-edge applique, then embellished with all sorts and styles of red buttons. I finished up with free-motion quilting.

A message to you

To all my dear friends and loving family....this message is for you.

New Work: Dandelion

Real life photograph

Art quilt

I took the photograph of the dandelion last summer to be used as a source of future inspiration. So, here is the result. Let me know what you think. You can click on the quilt for a closer look...there are beads all over the light green fabric. Thanks to Vivian (http://www.studiothreads.blogspot.com/) for the perfect color of thread used in machine quilting.

More Signs of the Season

I recently spent a few days in Holmes County, Ohio...home to a large population of Amish folk. I was struck by the beauty and coloration of all the produce at a market there...thus the pictures for art inspiration. Hmmm, not to mention cooking inspiration. I'm thinking pumpkin and apple pies....cider.....ok, turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing too.