Saying (Writing) The Next Word
This week I spent a day at the AQS Quilt Show in Daytona Beach as a volunteer representing SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) at the SAQA table next to its Global Exhibit, “Haven.”
It was great. My four-hour shift went by fast.
Things I learned, that I think are important enough to talk about some more:
Women’s journeys in creative work.
Women’s roles in supporting one another.
About the journeys
First, about my focus on women in particular. Almost every person I talked to was female. Quilting is a creative endeavor with mostly-female participants. So, while I know male creative artmakers experience a journey as well, I was talking almost exclusively to women. (And I believe women still experience creative journeys differently than men.)
And many of the women I spoke to – especially middle aged or older women – were quick to describe themselves as non-creative, with phrases such as “Oh I could never do that!” This quilt show featured a large number of traditional quilts, beautifully made and beautifully representing the traditions of quiltmaking. These attracted a lot of visitors, women who also make traditional quilts and want to see examples of the best.
When they discovered the art quilt exhibit, we had great conversations about how it’s not the same as traditional quiltmaking. (Not inherently better. But inherently different.) How the artists come up with their own visions and patterns. How they don’t all follow the established rules of finishing or material use. How they can be playful. Or emotional. Or statements on social issues.
I especially enjoyed the conversations that felt like lightbulb moments, when a person suddenly realizes that some other way of working is possible.
Just knowing what is possible – what other people have tried and are doing – can be a powerful beginning.
About women supporting one another
As it happened, the SAQA table was right next to my artwork that is part of the “Haven” traveling exhibit: “Writing the Next Word.”
When I noticed people looking at it, I introduced myself and engaged in conversation about the work.
It was inspired by my weekly writing group, and it depicts one of my friends who is part of the group. The surface shows suggestions of a journey (beginning on the left with warmer colors and patterns of road-like lines) contrasted with the haven on the right. I depicted the safe harbor of my writing group in cool, welcoming variations of blue, and used them to depict my friend as she is: comfortable in her own skin, relaxing on the porch couch.
The conversations I had about women supporting other women were very warm. Inevitably my conversation partner would give me a knowing smile. Yes, this is important, she would nod. Yes, this is powerful.
Perhaps you have two voices in you. One is “Oh I can never do that.” One is the “my friends are here for me if I fall short.”
I hope your journey is teaching you to listen more to the second voice.
Just this morning I re-discovered a poem I had not read for some time. I think it’s just the thing to fit here. This is a portion of “The woman in the ordinary,” by Marge Piercy.
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One-Week Countdown: The DeLand-Area Studio Tour is March 2-3. You are cordially invited to visit my studio. Please visit the tour website for information and maps to studios or contact me if you need information. I’d love to say “hi!” in person.
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For all the artmakers: Happy creating
For all the art lovers: Happy appreciating
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
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