“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand — and melting like a snowflake.”
Sir Francis Bacon
Tonight I am giving a talk to group of textile and fibre, including paper and book, artists. I was asked to speak about my artistic journey, the business of making art and career milestones. Oh, and also my love of paper!
The love of paper was easy to write and plan for; but the other elements required a deal of preparation, thoughtful reflection and investigation of my own life.
It has been an interesting process for sure, and one I am glad I have had the opportunity to undertake.
This quote reminded me how much we need to begin. To not put off. To find a way, any small way to begin our art and live with it, think about it, share it and just do it. Our lives are precious and we never know what the moments may make of us; but we can begin in small ways now.
This quote and my preparation for the talk, made me think about how important the wee project A Letter A Week was for me. Back in 2010 I was hankering for more art in my life and wanted to do something, anything. Work-work was crazy and there seemed to be no time. This little project -writing one letter per week on a piece of something 7cm x 7cm turned out to be an absolute marvel. It was a small project for myself, and then my friend Gemma, and then it grew and grew until we had artists all over the world making alphabets.
It was possible for me - it was small - who could be afraid of a 7cm x 7cm piece of paper? It required one thing each week and one thing only - a single letter. It kick-started so many things in my art-life, and they all came from this tiny, desperately needed, commitment to my art.
The first four letters in my first ALAW alphabet, 2010.
Sir Francis Bacon
Tonight I am giving a talk to group of textile and fibre, including paper and book, artists. I was asked to speak about my artistic journey, the business of making art and career milestones. Oh, and also my love of paper!
The love of paper was easy to write and plan for; but the other elements required a deal of preparation, thoughtful reflection and investigation of my own life.
It has been an interesting process for sure, and one I am glad I have had the opportunity to undertake.
This quote reminded me how much we need to begin. To not put off. To find a way, any small way to begin our art and live with it, think about it, share it and just do it. Our lives are precious and we never know what the moments may make of us; but we can begin in small ways now.
This quote and my preparation for the talk, made me think about how important the wee project A Letter A Week was for me. Back in 2010 I was hankering for more art in my life and wanted to do something, anything. Work-work was crazy and there seemed to be no time. This little project -writing one letter per week on a piece of something 7cm x 7cm turned out to be an absolute marvel. It was a small project for myself, and then my friend Gemma, and then it grew and grew until we had artists all over the world making alphabets.
It was possible for me - it was small - who could be afraid of a 7cm x 7cm piece of paper? It required one thing each week and one thing only - a single letter. It kick-started so many things in my art-life, and they all came from this tiny, desperately needed, commitment to my art.
The first four letters in my first ALAW alphabet, 2010.
I followed ALAW (and BookArtObject) for quite a while before making the leap to join in. They were the much needed catalyst to stop making as much 'teaching work' for college and to start making 'my work' for me. Thanks Fiona
ReplyDeleteI'm going to put this weeks quote on my workroom wall to remind me to keep making, if only in small steps, when everything else around tries to get in the way.
Thanks for letting me know Jac - they did act as catalysts didn't they? And don't you think that quote is just so special? Go well.
Deletemaking the time to slow down enough to listen to what wants to fall out of our hands...
ReplyDeleteAnd Mo - the things that fall from your hands are often sparkling... go well!
DeleteFrom such humble beginnings to a FABULOUS show at Noosa Gallery. Even Richard was in awe of the beauty of your work. I was utterly transported.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo - yes it's a long way from a 7cm x 7cm letter to Noosa and filling those walls! So glad you enjoyed it and that Richard appreciated it too - that's grand!
DeleteHi Fiona, Love this weeks quote, a reminder for us all, and your first 4 letters are very nice too, do you think you will start another letter themed project again
ReplyDeleteIt's a fabulous quote isn't it Kate - lots of sparkly and snowflake images come to mind. ALAW ran for 5 years and culminated in a great exhibition and some journal articles; I don't have any plans on the horizon for now; my wee projects always seem to end up big! Go well.
DeleteI love that quote Fiona and find it hard to believe that it sounds so 'modern' yet came from the pen of Sir Francis Bacon. This is a keeper. Going to write in down for future contemplation myself.
ReplyDeleteIt is an absolute gem isn't it Lesley? And to imagine someone way back then using snowflake and sparkly star imagery - we thick own those ideas in a way. Good to learn otherwise!
Delete