I’m so pleased to see that Susan Lenz has completed and posted her portrait of our beloved Susan Elliott‘s mother as part of her Decision Portrait series. It’s a worthy and beautiful work. You can read about Susan Elliott’s decision to submit her mother’s image on Susan E’s blog. And you can read details about this instalment in the series on Susan L’s blog.
I commented on Susan Lenz’s post, and in passing I wondered aloud what I’ve often wondered privately: “How in the world do you produce so much work?” Susan kindly responded with a detailed explanation that reveals her philosophy, her focus, and her commitment to make art every day. I feel like making her answer into a poster to hang over my desk! To see this mini-article, go to the blog post and scroll down to the comments.
Thanks Denise! You’re a real pal. I hope I get to meet you in person one day. What a gem you are!
Hi!
Thank so so very, very much for this post. I’ve been thinking about the words I wrote all day….worrying about them, recomposing them in my head while I stitched, anguishing over my earlier approach and chastising myself for not being “soft” enough, “personal” enough, “understanding” enough. I thought about deleting my own comments because I felt that it had been too dogmatic, elitist, and too hard-edged….which is about the furthest thing from my personal truths!
I wanted to add something about blogging and reading blogs. I admitted that I don’t read other peoples blogs….but that isn’t exactly the truth. I just can’t manage to “follow” anyone’s blog! I do read occasionally and I do enjoy dropping in on lots of blogs. I leave comments when I can and often respond to messages. I just can’t spend all the glorious hours that I’d like to spend surfing the beautiful creations being made all over the world. I once had more time for that…..then art took over. (I mounted CYBER FYBER in January 2009 as a way to thank the whole world of Internet bloggers.) I miss these connections sometimes. Maybe the further will allow me to participate more fully in the amazing blogging fiber-art world. (My fingers are crossed.)
The most important comments I left are these: Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way” changed my life. DON’T READ IT….LIVE IT. Also….find a balance in your life….which often means finding a “special place” to work….a place that intentionally removes you from the obstacles that prevent you from being your best, most artistic self. For me, it is my studio.
Again….thank you for seeing the “positive” in my words and understanding that I LOVE THE INTERNET and all the people who kindly encourage me through blog posts and comments. I’m naturally insecure….so the positive feedback really means the world to me. Thank you for posting this entry….and letting my know that my thoughts didn’t go astray!
Susan