On not comparing yourself with others . . .

I know we shouldn't compare ourselves with others.  It doesn't matter if they're weavers, spinners, quilters, painters, or dancers; there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself, as Max Ehrmann wrote in Desiderata.  (Anyone remember that poem from the 1970's?  I had a big poster of  it in my apartment and thought it held all the wisdom of the world.)

So instead of writing  I'll never be as good as this guy,  I'll just say Wow, when it comes to design, no one, and I mean NO ONE, can do it better than this guy!  

Take a look:

"Tapestry in the Grapevines"

"Tapestry . . ." partially sunlit.

And this work, more loosely woven and by a different artist, is more in the style of a crazy quilt or scrappy patchwork:

"Radial Steps"

Both of these artists credit a long line of maternal ancestors for their inherited skill and artistry.

"It's just in my blood," said one.

Katydid, a fabric interpretation

I finished piecing my fabric interpretation of my friend's abstract painting, and had some interesting thoughts in the process.  Once again, here's Katy's painting:

Abstract painting by Katy Vigeland

And my fabric interpretation:

"Katydid" on a black background

When I told Katy I was using her painting as an inspiration for an art quilt, she said "I've never been anyone's inspiration before."  (Isn't that the name of a song??)  She may need to get used to it, because I enjoyed this process very much and can't wait to start another one!

What I learned:  I began the project as a literal interpretation, but when the lower right-hand section turned out a bit off-kilter, I liked it even more.  Most of the other parts were already constructed, and I didn't want to re-make them.  So this first attempt actually is more of a fabric interpretation rather than an exercise in creating a piece inspired by an original painting.

And now, how to quilt it?  I'll have to let the ideas percolate before deciding.  I do know that I definitely want to do more like this, while allowing myself more latitude in the process.

Thanks, Katy!