Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Listening to Yourself

                                                           open windows 1997
How many times I hear
the soft whispering of new-
try this, or what if..
'No, no one is doing that!'
I think.
'Thats because you should do it!'
my muse smirks.
Stuffed to the Gills 1989
There have been many times when I started or tried a new technique, only to abandon it. Later, and sometimes years later- it became trendy! For example, back in the 80's I did several pieces that were totally free applique- free edge applique. I was told children love my work. This was not taken seriously. It's taken so many years and even now I find it hard to let go and let myself try unusual approaches- even in this era of free experimentation. So my artistic goal this year, well one, will be to do just that and see where it leads. GO FOR IT!
                                                               purple connections 1988

9 comments:

Carolyn Abramofsky said...

I love these. I particularly like purple connections.

Robin said...

When we abandon an idea only to find someone else has made it popular later, reinforces in my mind that I AM TALENTED but maybe a bit timid about sending my talents into the world. It frustrates me at the time but I know I will other new ideas and just need to push myself to get out there more.
Keep pushing, Wen!

Rosemary@semo.net said...

Your Open Windows, and the poem below it, are wonderful. Keep asking that question! Rosemary

Diana Parkes said...

There are just as many ways of not doing things, as there are of doing things.

Lorri said...

Dear Wen

love the work you did earlier I am at the stage you were I am creating work trying different techniques to find my voice...but everything comes back to one that makes me most happy and that is as i call it rough hand sewn raw edge applique I love the look and texture...but is it exceptable as artistic endeavour as my "Voice" we all struggle...it is what allows us to grow

Connie Rose said...

I guess it's all relative, Wen...I think your current work is so free and loose, and I really admire that!

margaret said...

"The voice" is there right from the start - but at that point it's just one of many voices trying to be heard ... it gets louder and stronger!

susan said...

just goes to show wen - children always know best!

Deborah said...

You are so right, sometimes we need to trust ourselves more. Your work is great!