Comments on: Are you a textile technique addict?

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 01:57:39 +0000

As a newer fiber artist, delving into loads of techniques has been a part of my education. Getting a grasp of the variety of the techniques has given me some go-to tools that I always come back to. After three years, it’s time to hone those few with restrictions; I see now how that will stretch my creatively. Such a great, in-depth article about the exploration, struggles and release of making art. Thank you!

By: Julie Hallett

Julie Hallett — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:39:36 +0000

I’m Julie, I live near Washington, DC (my apologies for my countries ridiculous political morass). My story is so much like your dear mum’s that I have goosebumps! Turning 50 this year and Covid 19 caused me to have to close my cybersecurity consulting business. I picked up a regular 9-5 job after MANY years of owning my own business and was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of free time I had. I started working on celtic animal and knot embroidery and decided to make an Ann Boleyn gown for myself. I’ve been a seamstress for the local renaissance festival since I was a teen, but it was mass production for vendors or costumes for some of the acts or workers. In doing this gown I finally spoke the title of textile artist to myself. That led me to find you. i’m so thrilled to find this group.

By: Carla

Carla — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:17:20 +0000

Looking to move out of classical sewing and embroidery / machine embroidery but don’t quite know how to get started. I come out of a mindset that demands function over beauty. If I make a quilt it should keep you warm, not hang on the wall for example. I also enjoy paper crafts and Die cutting machine. I have so many interests I cannot focus. I enjoyed reading other comments and seems like it is not that unusual to fall into this category but I’m not exposed to a lot of variety. Maybe you can help.

By: Jane Hauger

Jane Hauger — Tue, 20 Aug 2019 14:28:58 +0000

Thank you for publishing this article. I have hope that the different techniques I am learning will converge to a coherent vision.

By: Lesley Duncan-Edge

Lesley Duncan-Edge — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 10:06:57 +0000

Thank you for all this and your website is inspirational. It gives me confidence to know that such proficient artists are struggling to achieve putting their ideas into practice. I certainly can relate to all that has been written and since I am coming from a definite learning situation at the age of 70 it gives me hope!

By: Jane Spencer

Jane Spencer — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 11:00:30 +0000

This was so timely! I could have written how I feel this morning and I find it all here!
I am new to textile art (2 years) and self taught. Every new thing I try I make something good …but not good enough. I tried to join a group and they said I hadn’t found my voice. I felt hurt, but its true. I gather techniques like a magpie.
I need to go back to basics I guess, and find a mentor maybe, or a group that encourages and guides and listens to whatever voice I impersonate until it’s my own!

By: Dominique Payne

Dominique Payne — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:22:46 +0000

I’m in my fifties and after raising my family am now in the first year of a BA Textile course. While this article didn’t really apply to me, as I need to try and learn new techniques to see what I’m good at, I do identify with “creative paralysis” and am struggling with my current assignments.
I’ve only just discovered this site, and am happy to have done so.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 07:32:05 +0000

Fabulous article, thank you so much, it has liberated me and made me less afraid, as well as bringing about the realisation that less is definitely more!

By: Traci Hannah

Traci Hannah — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 17:00:21 +0000

Hello there.. I am a beadwork artist near Santa Fe, New Mexico. I realise that these articles don’t exactly apply to me, but I wanted to thank you for the words of encouragement. I have a terrible time trying to stick to one thing..I get bored or feel that it’s not good enough, so I start something else and the cycle goes on. I have a studio full of U.F.O.s! I am hoping that these videos will help me focus on one technique and finally produce a cohesive, original and finished (!) piece. I’m looking forward to video #2.

By: Anne

Anne — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 21:23:45 +0000

Thank you so much for sending me your first video on limitations. It was very good and, although I’ve heard about this concept before, you have an excellent way of emphasizing its importance as a means to finding clarity in one’s art making process. I began as a textile artist but now work as a painter. I still love line, texture and pattern and can adapt these ideas to my own process. I often get overwhelmed and frustrated by wish-washy ideas and lack of focus leading to lack of productivity. Perhaps writing down my intention as well as defining my limitations would help.