Have never liked themes being imposed on me from outside sources. Just recently got news of requirements for a couple of shows coming up from two groups of which I am a member. For some reason I rebel against being told what theme to cover and what size to make the piece. Gosh, darn it, I have to come up with something on themes that luckily interest me, but I still object!
Anyhoo...when this happens, I have a process. Boxes of old photos are rummaged through and digipics are printed from the computer. Just absorbing them takes at least one day. Then I sketch or doodle and ruminate until something vibes with me. I seem to be the kind of person that needs to dig deep; so I'm nowhere near ready to go to my cloth stash yet. Even if one of my doodles interests me, I try to carry on filling up more and more pages simply because the more you do the looser and freer you get.
The funny thing is that once I delve into cloth and thread, I might veer off in another completely different direction.
Hope you enjoy the process then, and i understand. i get a bit screwed up over it, "just what do they mean" etc. k.
ReplyDeleteIt does help a lot if your timeline is a fairly long one. I hope you come up with something that pleases you.
ReplyDeletei don't enter things. not interested in having to follow someone else's theme. i know you'll come up with something wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI relate to not liking external parameters on my work. I think some people prefer having them because it limits the blank canvas of possibility and makes it easier to start. And of course, with a group show, a theme will bring cohesion. As I continue to sometimes participate in group challenges, I find it's easier to get past this because I do grow with the doing of each one. And about going in a different direction after steeping ideas - I completely relate and love the surprise of that!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts on this problem of participating in themed group shows. Belonging to groups has become important since I moved to the country. It is wonderful to spend time with likeminded spirits and go home refreshed and inspired. High speed connection recently arrived at our house and I'm now finding so many great voices and friendships through people like y'all!
ReplyDeleteoh you never know, good can come of anything...
ReplyDeleteI do admire the way you immerse yourself in the theme. I'm lucky though, because if this is for the group I think it is, I may even have a chance to see it person. Lucky me!!
ReplyDeleteYou will create something out of the ordinary I am sure.
ReplyDeletepenny, just this collage here is wonderful.
ReplyDelete