The topic was "Personal Challenge".
Since Meg was killed, I've looked for ways to combat my grief with art. It started slowly at first and was limited to photography. My interest and enthusiasm for photography has in no way diminished. It's still my first artistic love. But, over the winter, I started dabbling in other mediums....in particular, textiles.
My challenge has been to engage myself creatively in some way every day. Some days I might go out and take loads of photos....others, just something of interest around the house. Some days I play with paint, or collage in an art journal, or sew something. Maybe, I'll just doodle. It doesn't have to be a completed project. I can pick up a work in progress....move ahead with it, and I've met my challenge for the day. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to stand back and relish that I have "made" something.
And you know what? The more I do it, the more the ideas flow. And, I don't find myself ruminating on my loss. It's very, VERY comforting. I've taken a class or two, and joined a few interest groups for inspiration. This blog came to be as a vehicle to share what I've been working on.
So....oh yeah....a photo...

This is my latest project, just finished today (that's why my Round Robin posting is late). Arielle has asked me to make her a "cool" messenger bag. I wanted to work through the process before I worked with her fabrics, so I decided to make myself the world's most unboring laptop bag.

I even created this detailing on the flap from scraps and fibers and beads. The "clasp" is an old earring!
Don't miss the personal challenges of these other Round Robin participants:
Kerrin - POSTED!A New Day, A New Photo
http://Kerrinsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/
Steven - POSTED!(sometimes)photoblog
http://sepintx.blogspot.com/
Carly - POSTED!Ellipsis... Suddenly Carly
http://ellipsissuddenlycarly.blogspot.com/
Karen - POSTED!Outpost Mâvarin
http://outmavarin.blogspot.com/
boliyoupercolation
http://boliyou.blogspot.com/
Nancy- POSTED!Nancy Luvs Pics
http://journals.aol.com/nhd106/Nancyluvspix/
Suzanne R - POSTED!New Suzanne R's Life
http://newsuzannerslife.blogspot.com/
Marie - POSTED!Photographs and Memories
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariebm56/PhotographsMemoriestoo/
Teena - POSTED!It's all about me!
http://purple4mee.blogspot.com/
Gattina - POSTED!Keyhole Pictures
http://gattina-keyholepictures.blogspot.com/
10 comments:
Hi Sweetie :)
Lovely entry darlin. Yes, it's true, art really does help as a form of theapy when we are grieving. I thank God for my camera, and being able to have a respite from things that hurt me. You have a great artistic ability. We are very lucky you share it with us. :)
Always, Carly
Very creative and meaningful entry -- the bag is beautiful! You are so right about the therapeutic effects of learning and making new things. I appreciate very much what you are doing.
Kat,
That is one awesome bag!! I just LOVE it and want me one too!! ;-)
Art and color are just so healing...you are obviously drinking it all up.
Warm hugs to you,
xo
That is amazing-looking! I love it! And good for you - I think you've got exactly the right approach for getting on with your creative life. Welcome back to the Robins!
Gorgeous bag! Love it. Using the earring for the clasp is brilliant. Nicely done Kat.
And a beautiful poignant post. For me art has always had the ability to soothe my soul.
WOW .... you are oozing with creativity! Thanks for sharing.
~ Valorie
http://journals.aol.com/redbird914/DearFamily/entries/2007/04/06/round-robin--personal-challenge/1570
LOVE the colorful bag. Makes me want to make one for my laptop.
I love it...LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!! Its great you can work on your projects all day long. I just wish I had the time & a studio. I am on the road a lot, so my mind is always drifting in different directions....looking for new ideas...then when I get home I forget everything....Ü
Very frustrating. I think I am going to get myself a small sketch book for ideas, this way, I'll remember!!!
Your bags are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Marie
Have just caught up with this post. The bag is amazing and just so beautiful. Inspired by wonderful memories I would guess.
Best Wishes Kerrin
Love at first site!
How cool is that! great job...TJ
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