I can usually adapt to change very easily, but recently I have been challenged! In early July I had a total knee replacement. I was so looking forward to the operation as the pain was getting so bad and moving around was difficult. Unfortunately the operation came with complications which I will spare you the details. Recovery has been slow as physio was put on hold for a while. On top of this we sold our house and are moving in September. I had a beautiful studio in our home and am going to rent a studio in town which will not be the same but workable. Deciding what to sell, give away or get rid of was a daily decision. Books were the most challenging! I have collected books for years and parting with them was hard, but like everything else I have collected over the years I have realized that they are “just things”.
Once I let things go I have to admit it was a great feeling.
Now for my art collection…….many things I have given away. In my collection were my own pieces, some paintings that were done 50 years ago! I have decided to modernize these pieces with new life. I am in the process of transferring them onto cloth and then cutting them up, painting over the cloth, or quilting them and hand embellishing them.
Of course all this was put on hold while I recuperate. Lying in a hospital bed with needles and spools of threads and trying to sew was a huge challenge. Instead, I sketched and brainstormed from my photos.
This “change of pace” was very relaxing and opened up new ideas and some old ideas that were long forgotten. Once I could get around and had some strength, I found some older squares of raw edge applique and started to piece them together and free motion them. Not having to start from scratch was exciting and breathing life into an old idea was fun. How many times have we all as artists abandoned pieces because they just didn’t work? I call this playing and warm ups! They say a change is as good as a rest…..well I managed to do both at the same time!
Having Fun….8″ X 40″ hand dyed cotton, raw edge wool applique, free motion quilting and hand stitching
Detail
I hope your knee trouble is resolved soon. Pain is an awful companion.
I love this artwork. The color combinations are especially attractive. It glows.
Al, this piece is truly beautiful! You are so well recognized, loved by your students and the most committed artist I have met and personally known. Your art is a stunning gift to the world. Take one day at a time, be well soon, and let the days leading to your new home and studio be an exciting change of pace in so many ways.
Al, I’m so sorry to hear about your knee. Good luck on the move and have fun with your new direction.