For me, one of the absolute best things about having studio space, a separate place to work in and create in; is that I get to leave things out. I no longer have to sweep away and tidy up whatever I am working on in order to re-create and reclaim the space we call "dinner table". When we built the house we made sure we had studio spaces and I am forever grateful that we did.
It's the ability to leave things out that I love. I work on something and then put it aside; not away. I leave things out and let them talk to me. I am intrigued by how often I find that something that has been sitting there for a bit, suddenly goes - this is what I need. And for some reason, having sat with it, walked past it and glanced at it casually over the time its been out; I have internalised something, made some connection and then it's good to go.
I was working today in the studio with a friend's daughter and we had a ball. While she was doing her work; I kept glancing at these pieces. They have been there for a few weeks; waiting to tell me what they need doing with them.
For all true calligraphers out there; you will note that my italic is rusty and that's why I chose to do these little pieces. I figured I could get back in the swing of writing again if I just did words, rather than stress about doing a whole piece, with layout issues and regularity to worry me. Each piece is only 5cm x 1.5cm.
They were fun and enjoyable - and I am still enjoying them lying around the place, whispering to me occasionally - put me under semi-transparent fabric, stitch around me onto a cover; make me like pebbles swimming in the fabric. The conversations I have!
As ever, I'm not sure where they're going yet....but I'll keep leaving things out and listening.
It's the ability to leave things out that I love. I work on something and then put it aside; not away. I leave things out and let them talk to me. I am intrigued by how often I find that something that has been sitting there for a bit, suddenly goes - this is what I need. And for some reason, having sat with it, walked past it and glanced at it casually over the time its been out; I have internalised something, made some connection and then it's good to go.
I was working today in the studio with a friend's daughter and we had a ball. While she was doing her work; I kept glancing at these pieces. They have been there for a few weeks; waiting to tell me what they need doing with them.
For all true calligraphers out there; you will note that my italic is rusty and that's why I chose to do these little pieces. I figured I could get back in the swing of writing again if I just did words, rather than stress about doing a whole piece, with layout issues and regularity to worry me. Each piece is only 5cm x 1.5cm.
They were fun and enjoyable - and I am still enjoying them lying around the place, whispering to me occasionally - put me under semi-transparent fabric, stitch around me onto a cover; make me like pebbles swimming in the fabric. The conversations I have!
As ever, I'm not sure where they're going yet....but I'll keep leaving things out and listening.
Just what I love about having studio space!
ReplyDeleteAnd those words - lying in a little pile... how wonderful. A different sort of poetry...
Your 'words' are lovely - very tactile. And I can appreciate what you mean about the importance of being able to leave your work out, to allow for a sort of 'dialogue' to take place. This certainly tends to enrich and inform the creative process.
ReplyDeleteI love leaving things out and it really helps my work, us keeping each other company somehow....., but it has to be the kitchen table or the piano top or piles on the floor, so all very temporary until something happens. I hate that having to tidy up feeling. I love your word hoard. Every word is beautiful
ReplyDeleteBeing able to leave things out is definitely one of the best parts of having dedicated studio space.
ReplyDeleteAs for your words...I see them as part of a larger piece...maybe paper, maybe fabric, but with organza stitched to it in ways that create various sized pockets. The words rest inside the pockets, creating a story (or not) as one looks from pocket to pocket. Of course, not all pockets have words. Must have a bit mystery...
For whatever it's worth, that's what my vision was as I sat here admiring your calligraphy.
Thank you so much Stregata - it is just what I love about a studio too! I like "a different sort of poetry" as well.
ReplyDeleteArzigogolare - welcome! Thanks for your thoughts - I agree that it helps the creative process to be able to have a chat with things...
Oh Annie - I'm so pleased your'e a leaver-outerer as well! There is something so companionable about having these things around, working with them in a quiet and contemplative way.
Hi Jennifer - thanks so much! I love that they can whisper across the miles (as your rusty bits do to me). I think the pocket thing has potential and I want to explore it -and the stitching through organza onto heavy paper perhaps. My world is opening up!
Really quite magical isn't it....the ongoing conversation with the work. I've always understood that the work itself does most of the talking and if I am open enough, on occasion I have moments of understanding, about what to do or what the work is telling me about life and living. These words are beautiful in themselves and I imagine they are speaking to you on an ongoing basis....funny how you KNOW what to do when the time is right! Who would have it any other way?! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteFiona, these are wonderful!! I know what you mean about 'leaving things out' and letting them 'speak' to you-thank you as always for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the leaving it out an dI really enjoy your thinking process, The words are very inviting so I am keen to see what happens with them.As I am familiar with your work I know it wil be well presented. Have fun..
ReplyDeletePatti I agree wholeheartedly; there is magic in the ongoing conversation. They are working their way into something; and as you say I'll suddenly KNOW.
ReplyDeleteJane - thank you. It's another blessing of this blogging I think that we recognise shared experiences and practices. Its delightful to learn how many of us approach our work this way.
Thank you Alison. I like learning about other folks' approaches and thoughts as well! Something will happen with the words for sure...
~you are fortunate to have such space that allows for the freedom to let your work evolve as time goes by and your muse leads you to do so...these words...jsut as they are...are beautiful! i like the idea of starting small...one word...versus a sentence or paragraph...thank you for sharing...much love light and blessings~
ReplyDeleteA room of one's own! somewhere to close the door on the world, scatter our dreams and create - heavon!
ReplyDeletethese are beautiful.. i love having pieces around on my bench... and especially small pieces with words... they seem to know just when to jump in and ask to be used... i absolutely love the look of them under the semi-transparent fabric...
ReplyDeleteHi Brandi - I know I'm lucky to have the space and I truly do appreciate it. Starting small is good - a word will go somewhere, be joined by another...
ReplyDeleteAh Rosie - so true, so Virginia Woolf! To scatter our dreams and create - how beautiful!
Thanks MaryJane- it's fun having words around isn't it? They do exactly as you say, jump in and ask to be used! I like the fabric look too - shall start experimenting me thinks.
Only a fellow artist understands that so much of our work happens when we are just being and not necessarily - or visibly - working. And much of that is about being around our own work in progress.
ReplyDeleteI remember writing a poem once and showing it to my mother who said "wow, you just pop those right out, don't you!" To her credit, all she knew of the process was the one day I spent a few hours on the typewriter and emerged with a polished and passionate piece of writing! But that poem probably took a decade to take shape before it was ready to speak and I was ready to listen.
Thanks for this post!
Hi G/Tt - so true - so much doe shappen as we let our minds wander and make those random, sub-consicous connections. Perhaps you could keep up the facade re "oh yeah I can just turn 'em out like that"!!
ReplyDeleteYour beautifully lettered words have prompted a great post, Fiona! The papers are beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteThis post resonates with me. Sometimes you really need to 'ponder' work that's only seen on the periphery of your vision while you are engaged in something else. Leaving it around gives you this opportunity.
ReplyDelete