Tuesday, December 27, 2011

THE ZEN OF CREATIVITY

I am reading a wonderful book called the Zen of Creativity.  The author is a Buddhist monk who writes about the origins of the faith/belief.  In this particular book he specifically writes about how human spirituality manifests itself in the form of art and it is through art that the human spirit expresses and translates reality.  The thought is provoking isn't it?

When I am in my studio creating I am certainly in a reality that feels grounded to me.  It is interesting that as my hands create my mind appears to be open and silent.  My hands seem to translate a thought process that I am not always aware of.  Then all of a sudden it is there..........a creative meditation.

Monday, December 5, 2011

WHAT IS CREATIVE MEDITATION

I spent  quite a bit of time today thinking about my creative process.  I chose the name Creative Meditations because the process for me is a meditation.  My time in the studio is focused and "in the moment".  My thoughts are centered around the project I am working on.  Sometimes the process is slow and deliberate and sometimes it is fast and furious.  It is much like a walking meditation but instead of walking and practicing mindfulness I am sewing or knitting or beading and am completely mindful of the art that flows through my hands.   Every creation begins with a meditation and every meditation begins with a quiet mind.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

CUTTING UP IN THE STUDIO

I just spent the day cutting out slippers and mittens for the Art Council Boutique.  This is the hardest part for me whenever I design anything.  Once the cutting is done then I can get on to the more fun stuff......sewing and embellishing!  I love ribbons and beads and old lace.  I think they finish off a piece in the most elegant way.

I do need to rearrange my space a bit because I am feeling a bit cramped in here.  There is material everywhere even though I try to clean up before I leave every night.  There is one wall that could be used that would make a huge difference in clearing up floor space but for the moment there is a table against that wall with a huge TV sitting on top of it.  Scraps of material are piled high in beautiful baskets but take up so much floor and I am getting tired of walking around them.

Ongoing projects are piled high on part of my cutting table leaving me little room to negotiate my current project.  Yup, I am definitely feeling cramped up here.  If anyone has creative ways they have used to gain organization in their studio I would love to hear about it.  For now, I will just clear off a little space so I can do some beading.

From the Studio

From the Studio
Paradise Found /private collection

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