On running stitch and inspiration

I am continuing to explore running stitch and enjoying the exploration.  But as a form of play and investigation it has become limited when the brief I have set myself was to play with the stitch and I haven’t resolved in mind an ultimate outcome.  

I am exploring the stitch but where do I want to take it?  Or go with it?   Have I got something to say?  Is there something which moves me enough to want to record it in stitch and especially in running stitch?

Some of my play, like this one below, has come to an abrupt halt because I didn’t start with a clear idea of where I was going.  Even though I started out with a rough sketch inspired by another artist work and had selected threads I still got lost!

Conversely, I have just completed a small piece which started out as a doodle and was never intended to be anything more than that – maybe with a view to leaving it in the hoop and hanging it that way.   In the end I added chain and fly stitch to the work and have decided to make it up into a small bag or treasure holder. When I look at it it reminds me of Chinese embroidery.  I will post a photo when I am done.

This process of creation can be very confusing!

Inspiration, support and mentoring is all around us: family and friends, colleagues in our own or other art disciplines and on the Internet.

This morning I listened to a very interesting talk by Jane Dunnewald building creative stamina.  It is recommended listening.  It was shared by textile artist Sharon Boggon on her website Pintangle – I have linked it here.

At the conclusion of her talk Jane read the following poem which touched me on many levels

The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among

things that change. But it doesn’t change.

People wonder about what you are pursuing.

You have to explain about the thread.

But it is hard for others to see.

While you hold it you can’t get lost.

Tragedies happen; people get hurt

or die; and you suffer and get old.

Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.

You don’t ever let go of the thread.

By William Stafford, from The Way It Is, 1998

Jane Dunnewald has a generous website and an interesting recommended reading list which I will visit over the year.