“My art took a major turn this
past year, narrowing my focus
and materials. I’ve been able to
selectively edit what portion of
my stash belongs in the studio.
I recently pulled all my vintage,
hand-dyed, eco, and cyanotype
fabrics out and now store them on
the shelves in my studio.” She also
categorized her paper stash in open
baskets to make them more visible.
Lesley notes that art quilters and
mixed-media artists all agree that
you should never throw anything
away. They will also concur that
you have to buy that ‘certain
something’ because a.) it speaks
to you, and b.) you might need it
someday. Give yourself a pat on the
back if you bring it home and put it
away where it belongs.
“However, over time your tastes
change, you grow as an artist, and
come to know yourself better as
you search for and perhaps fi nd
your true you.” Are all of those
supplies needed? Probably not.
“The most important thing I
have learned over the years is to
periodically go through my stash
and pass on what no longer serves
me, no longer speaks to me. The
only thing you really need to create
the kind of art that sings to you is
you.”
When asked how her artistic
life has changed, she confi des that
she has always spent lots of timethinking and planning. During
the period of her life when art
making was relegated to short
10–60 minute sessions, she did
a lot of pre-planning while going
about her day. “It was a slow (but
delicious) process. When the
precious, concentrated, hands-on
time arrived, I knew exactly what
to do and the work came together
quickly.”
“Now, I have all the time in the
world and guess what? I still work
that way. I’m mentally creating the
work long before; I hone in on the
composition and make my vision a
reality. You could say I don’t force
the work. Thankfully there’s usually
a deadline!”
lesleyriley.com