eileenkny wrote:
I really like, and agree, with the notion that finishing UFO's feed the soul.
Diane/Wyoming

What a great insight! And so true, eventually we all have to get on with the project and "just do it." : )

Donna
eileenkny wrote:

I hadn't heard of Judy's UFO project (I've now gone to her website to look), but it sounds like a really good idea! I do have a particular order I want to get the first half-dozen or so of my UFOs done, though, so maybe I'll join once I've completed those.

Thanks to everyone who gave support for my quandary. I've found 3 things to feed my soul in 2011.
Sue's Ruffled Roses BOM project, Kim McLean's Roseville Album quilt and my Dear Jane. I'm really looking forward to working on them.

I'm also going to participate in Judy Laquidera's UFO project. It's basically a UFO of the month. We had to list 12 UFOs that we want to get done. She picks a number between 1 & 12 and that's the UFO we work on for the month. :shock:

I think my soul is doing better and a big reason is being able to come here and talk to everybody here.

Thank you, Ann. You'll always have a friend in New York. I loved working on your quilts.

Every quilt I work on inspires me in some way; the imagination that so many people show through their work lets their soul shine through.

Eileen, I joined into this discussion late because I have not had time to keep up with the forum lately. Just remember that what you do with your long arm quilting is also truly an art. You made my Rhapsody so much better than what is was before the quilting. I will be forever grateful for your artistry to make my dream come true. Each of us have some skills, some of us have an art and some have a vision. We each need to stretch our skills to become an art and then maybe move on to a vision. Or sometimes the vision comes first and then the skills and the art. But in whatever order, we each need to express our own talents and vision and as I am learning, Not Worry to Much About the Nay Sayers in our environment. Keep on keeping on to your vision and know you have a friend and supporter here in Texas right now (who knows where I will be next LOL) Hugs and Love, Ann

Sometimes you can be so intimidated or unindated by 'inspiration' it can shut down your creative spirit. When I finally realize this, I know it is time to just sit down and start playing with my sewing machine.
Diane/Wyoming

Boy ain't it the truth! There's a fine line sometimes between creative inspiration that energizes you and substituting it for your own creativity.

I get a twice weekly letter from the artist Robert Genn. At the end of today's letter he wrote:

"Excessive influence, even from the work of others in art magazines or books, can lead to malfunctions of the creative spirit. Fen Lansdowne, the brilliant and widely-published bird painter who recently passed away, suffered from a lifelong malady called "The Imposter Syndrome." Comparing himself to others sent Fen into a dark and angry funk that sometimes lasted weeks. When he figured out the cure, it was pretty straightforward: Watch birds. Do drawings. Paint birds."

Brava, Dawn!! Brava!! and ditto what Teri said

here! here! Dawn.

I think if something is created and arouses any of the senses, it is art. There are culinery artists (taste), musicians (sound), wonderful new scents in candles and everything else these days (smell), many tactile works (touch), and of course the visual arts, using numerous mediums like paints, paper, canvas, bronze, brass, other metals, pottery, (I could go on and on) and last but not least, fabric. When we create any quilt, whether it be large or small, traditional or abstract, monochromatic or many, many colors, is hanging on a wall or is on the bed, we have stirred up the senses of the beholder. The quilt can make them cry, can make them laugh, can cause a deep nostalgia, and may cause them to want to touch it in order to fully experience the quilt. Quilting is a wonderful art form that more often than not, arouses not only the viewers senses, but also the soul!

When I see an incredible piece of work in brass, I may appreciate the artist, but the medium is hard and cold, and usually doesn't stir up any emotions. A quilt is soft and warm, as well as being pleasant to the eye. I appreciate all quilts and the ARTISTS that did them!

Dawn
In Northwest Montana

I make Heart Quilts.

Well said!