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Identify and choose
artistic goals
Starting in December, set aside time
to refl ect on your artistic journey.
Begin by creating an inventory of
artistic curiosities, and also examine
barriers to your creativity. Here are a
few prompts to help you get started:- What piques your curiosity?
Perhaps you are intrigued by a
technique you read about in a
magazine or a new trend you
saw on display at a recent quilt
show. Create an inventory of
things that spark your interest. - What is holding you back?
Would you like to enter
your work in national or
international quilt shows and
juried exhibits but struggle with
the photography requirements
or are intimidated by writing an
artist’s statement? Are there
other obstacles that get in the
way of reaching your goals?
Make a list of your artistic
roadblocks.- What technical skills have you
avoided using in your artwork?
In 2013, I opted to turn my
discomfort with free-motion
quilting into a resolution to
master the skill. Now, I
absolutely love this part of the
quilt making process and also
enjoy inspiring others to give it a
try. Identify an area in your
artistic practice that needs
attention.
By answering these questions, you
will uncover key areas to focus your
time and effort on. Form them into
goals and write them down.
Expand your
artistic horizons
Now that you have uncovered
where to focus your creative energy,
here are some ideas to accomplish
your new goal(s).
Learn and develop new
skills and techniques to use in
your fi ber art. Try your hand
at free-motion quilting; take up
embroidery; experiment with
fabric dyeing and surface design;
explore improvisational piecing;
try working three-dimensionally.
Enhance your own artistic
development. Take a formal art
class so you can study and use the
principles and elements of design;Above and below: Free-motion quilting
is now one of Mel’s favorite steps of the
quilt making process.