Cay Denise

Inspiration Photo taken by Cay Denise, June 2012 Inspiration to me is something that touches one deeply and to such a degree that it expands a viewer's mind and/or soul. What I mean is that at the times I've been inspired, the inspiration gave me the ability to look beyond what my imagined concepts of such things as clever, fun, unique, powerful, sad, beautiful, etc. are. Through that inspiration, my creative imagination was fueled, and it led to a broadening of what my creative work accomplished. That said, inspiration can tickle the soul, or lead to a softening of emotional pain. It can open your heart to the desire to create something because of your love for-- or the meaning you draw from-- that which has inspired you. It can be a (figurative) door that suddenly opens because of an idea or the confidence you gain of how to move through it -- that has been sparked by inspiration. Inspiration may make you laugh or cry. It may peak your excitement or your questioning. It may...

This project is just about complete...yippee! It is not my best piece by a long shot. But it was a first attempt of creating a two-sided quilted wall hanging...one side, a busy one, and the other side, a quiet one. The important discussion point for this post is that I've had this UFO (unfinished project) stashed for many years. Why I've left it incomplete is a mystery. It could have been being overwhelmed with the quilting I'd have to do given that the basting job was not a good one. It could have been that there was going to be too much material to feed through the harp of my machine to be able to quilt it well. It could have been that I couldn't see my way to a design idea for the quilting. It could have been that I'm not especially in love with the piece. It could have been a combination of these things. So, when you have a piece that you struggle with the completion of, what is that stuggle about? I'm taking a craftsy.com quilting video series ...

Why do you sit there when you have a great idea that wants to be made? Oh, I know...you've got groceries to buy, the house to clean, mail to take to the post box, and anything else you can think of in order NOT to get to work. Why is that, and why is it that so many people suffer from the syndrome of procrastination? I admit it...I have the syndrome too! Yes, I think up all sorts of things that have to be done before I 'feel comfortable' entering the realm of creative chaos to do the work. What is it that keeps me from immediately and excitedly jumping into that chaos instead of resisting it? Entering the chaos should be welcomed because that is where creativity thrives and where wonderful ideas are shaped and made into tangible works of art...it is the portal from invisible to visible! I resist the potential for my own success by not heeding the call to eagerly and with all haste...jump in to that creative chaos. Then the idea that elicited my resistance ...

A piece inspired by a Beatles tune..."Baby's in Black"...about a love triangle.  I love how the interior of the piece pops with the flying geese border!