Open Discussion

Since we are all artist of one kind our another, the thought struck me that it might be valuable to start a discussion on some of the aspects of our work. My hope is that you will enjoy participating in this and that we can get some juicy conversations going. So for the first topic, here's a quote to ponder: "Inspiration is indispensable to my work, but it is hard to come by. It is there or it is not---it is a gift of the gods." Louise Nevelson
In this time of production is everything...you are only as good as your last quilt...and we have to make x number of quilts a year to be viable....this quote from Louise Nevelson really struck home with me. Work cannot be forced, it has to come from an inner compulsion....or maybe she is saying something else. Don't you just know when something is right? When the piece is working itself and you are just the instrument through which it flows?
Since marketing came into the picture, my feelings are that we are all pushing the work and not allowing it to come to us. I know it is important to keep your name out there but you gotta dance with the girl that brung ya...and that is the work. We get so caught up in the external that we forget it is the internal that is driving us. We have an obligation to ourselves to listen to that inspiration and follow it where it leads.
Looking forward to your comments and hopefully continuing with more quotes.