I began this morning as I generally do. The first one awake. Coffee and some good poetry books on our screened porch. Enjoying the cool air. Waiting for the hummingbird.

I had my poetry writing journal – as I usually do – but writing does not always occur. This morning, though, some words I had written a week ago in my writing group were ready to turn into a new thing.

Responding to the prompt “taillights” I had written a memory prose piece that I thought had some nice elements and the possibility of becoming a poem. (In my writing group we just draw a prompt and then write flat out for ten minutes. No planning. No revising. We get what we get. It’s a way to unearth ideas.)

The taillights concept has stayed in the back of my mind. I have turned the words over and around as I have been working on other things.

The ideas have had time to cook. So, this morning they came together for me.

I have a good poem first draft. Now I’ll revise and refine. (And maybe let it cook some more.)

Later today in the studio I experienced something similar with a large quilt I had put aside for about ten days. I was not frustrated when I set it aside. I just had other projects with more pressing deadlines. I have been looking forward to pulling the pieces out of their storage spot and getting them back on the easel.

Today was that day.

This work will be a three-panel exploration of a home near water. “There by water I will build my home.”

It combines several things that interest me.

First – home. I have explored home and what it means as a part of one’s journey in many different ways over several years. Some of the works are storytelling. Some are more conceptual.

Second – landscapes that combine photo reality with other kinds of fabric surface design. So far in this work, I have transferred images of rippling water in a pond and tree limbs against a sky and the architectural detail of a wooden window. I like all the parts.

Returning to this work today – having taken some time away from it – has been a gift. I believe the finished piece will be better for the “cooking” time.

Here’s where I am as of today. What’s already completed contains the hard part: Lots of stitching for quilting and construction. What will come next will be more pleasing work: deepening the surface and adding layers.

Ideas can benefit from a bit of time. Interior work may still be happening even when the project has been physically put away for a while.

Todays’ realizations were nice affirmations and reminders.

. . . . .

Fall Festival of the Arts DeLand is only a few weeks away. I always enjoy exhibiting in my hometown Festival. It’s a great quality event—if you are nearby I hope you’ll make a point to attend. See me in booth 133.

For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating

 Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi

bobbi@bobbibaughstudio.com

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