Pivot, Hold on, Move On
“Pivot” has become one of the trendy-words of news talking head analysts this past year.
All businesses and organizations, apparently, need to be in pivot mode. For over a year life and business have not been following the expected patterns. Time to reevaluate.
(I enjoy the silliness of this image, remembering my short-lived career playing JV basketball, one foot planted firmly on the court, absolutely forbidden to move, as I swung all around looking for a pass or a shot. I was actually on the second-string JV, and not very good.)
But the part of the image I like is keeping one foot grounded. Look around for what comes next, but don’t go madly charging. Keep one foot attached to where you have been, what you are doing.
As I develop my studio practice, I realize that it is important to me to limit the techniques and materials I use to create artwork. I want to develop further the skill of creating visual interest using what I have at hand.
But, as I evaluate my 2021 work and what I want to happen next, I do want to try out some changes.
Interesting surfaces, compelling stories, with less actual “stuff” in the quilt.
More interesting integrations of photos and non-photo areas.
Ways to develop story by creating intriguing spaces, maybe without the need to actually depict the character. (Unless it’s just what’s needed.)
Letting words inform my works – the rhythms of poetry influencing how I create.
These are all things I do now. My next shot – I hope -- will be to do them deeper and better.
In October I showed some step-by-step creating a piece that explored what’s below the surface. That post was about the non-photo section.
Here’s the finished work with the photo and non-photo sections completed and communicating with each other
You can learn more about this work, Looking Below the Surface, on my website HERE
You can read the whole step-by-step post from October HERE
I wish to all my artmaking friends meaningful work in your studio (or in whatever space you work,) and the time to think and dream about what you might do next. Keep one foot grounded. Then explore with joy..
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May I humbly recommend a book of artwork and poetry for holiday gift-giving? They are in-stock and ready to ship. I enjoyed creating this book and I am honored by the many readers and friends who have purchased it. I hope you’ll take a look. It’s on my website HERE
For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
How I keep in touch:
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