Inspire Me Thursday - Best of 2007




These two pieces signify just how big 2007 was for me. They were both coop pieces and they are named Hope(the black hole) and Transformation(the tree and heart).

Hope came to me as I was riding home from working in the coop the first day. It was a flash I couldn't get out of my head so I drew it on a piece of paper in my car at the first stop I could make. It was my first official art piece. Shortly after I started it, the theme for our new opening in our new gallery was the black and white show. As you can see it was a divine intervention. It was also the most difficult piece of work I have ever done in my life. For many years that black hole was my life but the only thing that kept me from the darkness was the hand reaching out of it and my belief in the universe. Nobody else knew the depth of my sorrows but expressing them through hope helped me move through and away from them. Luckily I did the hand and the gold accents first to help me through the tedious black stitches(and the pain associated with them).

The second piece was called Transformation. It was a sister piece to Hope that was supposed to be the second gallery show in the new coop building. It was also an Artists at Work piece. We were supposed to work on it when we were there so people could see art in action. It signified just how transformed I was inside myself with the bright colors and the winding stitches of color throughout. It has since become my signature piece. Actually I did not sell either of them in the coop although there were many times I thought they would be sold. I guess because they are so personal to me, where I have been and where I hope to be they are still mine.

The coop was the biggest gift of the last year. I learned so much most of it good but some of it bad, what I learned the most is that I am an artist no matter what others may think. I also learned that one must accept themselves as is and not to back down even when it is easier to just go merrily along. That was also huge. I have always been the happy smiley little mouse, instead of the complicated artist with a lot of baggage that I am. I can finally look back on the year and my time in the coop with gratitude for all it has taught me about myself, my work, and how to deal with other people. It was a mostly wonderful experience that was as helpful as a trip abroad for a year.

I am also grateful for my wonderful husband, my wonderful son and my wonderful friends, especially my friend Emily who is the best friend I've ever had. I am also grateful for the introduction to the blogging world. I have seen and met the most amazing things and people and found that being an artist is kind of a universal feeling. So in closing this one out on this New Year's Eve. I hope that all of us have a lovely, wonderful, creative, healthy, artistic new year and thank you.

Comments

Michelle said…
Oh wow, that black one just reaches out to me. It's so stark and stunning, but yet very inviting and warm. At least that's how I see it.

I want to thank you for continued prayers for my mother in law and husband (and me). She was up on her feet today! Continuing to shock the hell out of us all.
Wishing you a wonderful, happy new year!
Cathy
Deb G said…
So true that we need to have faith in ourselves as artists. Happy New Year!
Anonymous said…
Thank you so much for sharing such amazing and beautiful works of art. I can see why they are so personal, and that makes it even more special that you decided to share them. Hope and transformation....wow, so very powerful, it really does sum up your year, and it plays out so perfectly in your work. One thing I know for sure, and I am glad you now know and believe is, that you are an artist. You are an amazing artist, who puts her whole soul into each stitch. It shows. So lovely.

I hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day! You post certainly made my day so much brighter. For that, I thank you.
XOXOX
Sherry said…
I am in awe of these pieces...I know they are "personal" to you but as with all art, when we look at something we can see what is significant to us. As a breast cancer survivor I can see this from the perspective of working through the process. When art calls..we answer so I loved you pulling over when you could to copy down the idea for what was working in your head!! Perhaps these two pieces haven't sold because you are meant to keep them with you always...there are some that are to be sold and some that are meant to be kept forever and passed on to others as a gift through time.

Wishing you all the very best of everything as this new year unfolds.
Jennifer said…
They're both such beautiful pieces, especially the black one - so dramatic and it evokes alot of emotion. You really put alot of "yourself" into your art, as art should be.

I hope this coming year treats you well!
Tangled Stitch said…
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I'm just a wee bit pooped so only checking in and wanted to say thank you! Will be back and talkative tomorrow! Happy New Year!
Like Sherry and as a cancer survivor too, I must say that the creative process is our blessing and panacea. I hope that 2008 will bring us more of your artistic talents and we too are grateful for blogging because we discovered you too! Best regards from Beirut, my friend :)
Laura said…
Glad you had such a positive creative experience. Wishing you all the best for 2008.
Sybil Archibald said…
Those pieces are amazing! They just radiate. You've inspired me to get back to work!
Barbara Hagerty said…
What gorgeous pieces! You do absolutely beautiful work! And an inpired post, also. Happy 2008
Very nice pieces. Hope has universal appeal I think. We have all been in that big, black place. Happy New Year to you also. I look forward to seeing more of your artwork in 08.
GraceBeading said…
They are both exceptionally beautiful pieces, thanks so much for sharing how they came to be.

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