As I said I intend to make 50 coral variations because they are in essence editions as they are lino printed. They are for sale for $50 US each, inclusive of postage.
I have over the years belonged to a number of lists, and I often hear the comments that people aren't interested in the personal chatter and they just want to hear about techniques and see techniques. I for one enjoy getting to know people better not only through their work but the trials and tribulations of how life affects their art output and focus ( I also enjoy reading biographies of artists ,and have learnt a lot about dedication and adhesion to principles and vision when often the art community ran completely counter and were often critical and often in the face of financial hardship).
I started life is a fulltime textile artist in 1993 , though I had always had something textile in my hands. At that time I had two little kids- and would often put the play pen in my work room- not for them ,but I would put myself and my machine in the playpen so they could rummage through all the fabrics in the room where I worked. Then I did a small business course and shortly thereafter had another child- three kids under 5. I kept going though, even though sometimes I was flat out getting a days work done in a whole week. Then we moved to the country- I was worried my fledgeling business would not survive-it did, but gradually making of quilts started taking over form filler business activities especially as kids started school. I always worked from home. When my youngest reached school age we went to France for 3 months and lived in a castle and as people in Europe got to know me more I started getting more teaching, and was fortunate to have several magazines do write-ups about my work. However all this takes a toll, and my husband and I have decided to split up, amicably. I am not sure how this will impact on my work. I shall have to go negotiate a loan so that I can put a house on the other block so that I can live there with my children. I may have to get a real time job to get that loan- though that might be difficult- it is nearly 20 years since I practised law, and what skills do I really have for out there, apart from those I use already and with which I don't earn enough to support my family in Australia ( that's why I teach overseas)- or I need to sell a load of my work and write another book.
Something will happen it always does, and I hope I can continue on with my work- others have done it, so surely so can i.
14 comments:
Thank you for sharing your story, and your struggles as a mother and artist, so familiar as it is. I'm sorry to hear about your new difficulties and wish you much strength and luck - and keep on doing your lovely work!
I too like the stories behind the work. Learning about other artists' struggles puts my own in perspective. I wish you the best of luck and success in this next phase of your path. I'm sure no matter what you do to make a living, you will be compelled to make art, and I hope you continue to share it with us and the world.
So sorry to hear about your current difficulties and hope you can continue with your art as you want.
On a lighter note my Mum did exactly the same thing as you over 45 years ago put her sewing machine in the play pen when my brother and I where little so we didn't pull at the electric cord. Great minds think alike.
It's interesting to hear other peoples' stories. We tend to think that everyone else has it easy for some reason. I hope things work out for you. With your talent I'm sure something will come up. Love the coral variations.
Dijanne you have already proven that you can do it, just do it one more time. I know this will be hard for you but with your spirit you can't help but succeed!
Hi Dijanne,
You have a Master's degree, have you considered teaching textiles and design subjects in the tertiary education system?
I'm sorry to hear that you and your husband have split, but believe me, I did the same a couple of months ago, and life has become considerably less stressful already ;-)
best wishes,
Karen
thank you for your comment on my blog and thank you above all for being human enough to show yourself through your art. it is amazing how much of our lives is our art and how much we must depend on our audience to understand that.
jude
My heart goes out to you, Dijanne. So you are another lawyer turned quilter!!
I have a very strong feeling that you will figure out how to make this work. You have a lot of energy, drive and intelligence!
Thanks for sharing your story with us in the blogging world. My heart goes out to you too - I so appreciate where you are coming from. Your art will take you to a new place - it has done for several of us in similiar situations. Although I am currently in a slump I know it was my art that got me through my divorce and maybe what I am going through now is the after shock. Remember art is the one constant in your life right now. May your God keep you and bless you.
much love
This wasn't a surprise, but I'm glad it's amicable - the negativity of unhappy relationships can affect us badly. I'm sure that you'll be able to continue with your art (((((hugs))))
Sorry to hear that you have reached yet another hurdle in your life. I could easily be in a similar place (not there yet, thankfully). I know you'll be able to apply your wisdom and creativity to turning this hardship into an opportunity for positive change and growth.
It seems like such a personal note to leave on your blog - but here goes: about a year into my battle with cancer, I was surprised to find myself navigating a divorce.
Quilting and blogging was all I had to sustain myself.
Until I went blind.
Then (with computer-aided software) blogging was all I had.
Time has passed and life changes in beautiful and intriguing ways. I am quilting again and blogging too. As you so eloquently said, our stories - expressing our own and listening to others - are as important as our art.
I wish you well on your journey. If you ever need a positive outlook in the face of daunting days indeed - come visit my site at alotoflife (dot) com.
Dijanne, it sounds like you are going through one of those difficult transition phases... but I hope you continue to do it with a peaceful heart and knowing that you will be fine in the end. I'm sure it's not an easy time for you and your kids, but you have such talent and skill and I know it will serve you well.
I agree with everyone Dijanne and wish you well. I know you'll survive, after all you do have your art and it won't let you down. Here's to a very good coming year and a shed load of heart warming solace.
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