Friday, March 15, 2013

a creative life



For almost six months now, I have worked part time as a graphic designer with my friend Laura at Roseberries. The decision to return to design work was in part financial, but also based on a need for order and structure in my life. The experience has been wonderful. It feels good to actually get dressed in the morning, to have colleagues, to bounce ideas, and to get projects done (although still slowly...).



The flip side is that the time I have left for my art has diminished. It is hard to accomplish something or, maybe more accurate, to complete something with only a few days a week available. I am also struggling to dedicate those days entirely to work (there are still things like dishes, laundry, vet visits, and car pooling looming).



But overall it works. Rather than living an artist's life, I am now leading a creative life. My design job is creative in its own way, but it has also made me realize that creativity goes into everything I do – even in tasks like house keeping, gardening, and cooking. And it has enabled me to explore and rediscover things like knitting and sewing. I am no longer obsessing over my art, whether it is likable (or sellable) enough, or whether I produce enough. Instead I am just enjoying the process. It has been quite liberating.


And I am accomplishing things! I just finished Margaret's magnolia, a piece commissioned by a friend as a wedding gift for friends of hers. The magnolia eco prints where made with leaves from a tree growing by the bride's childhood home. I completed a functional quilt (although small...). It is made from indigo dye samples, and backed with soft flannel. And yesterday I finally started on my first tree series quilt. So life here is good, in so many creative ways.

13 comments:

  1. You are a powerful woman. I admire you. I feel that I can do more than I am when I read your blog and you inspire me to be a better person.

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  2. So glad to read this, and very happy for you, Lotta!

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  3. Lovely work as ever Lotta! That quilt is beautiful. It's lovely to hear your reflections on the difference between your artist life and your creative life; and I do know how hard it is to do everything when the hours are few. I really resonate with the idea that we put creativity into all task; even the mundane ones. I can't hang washing without making a colour composition or stack dishes without creating a still life!

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  4. Well spoken about creativity.
    I hope you still will have some the time of your blog, because it is a source of inspiration for me.

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  5. It's really encouraging to read about the way you have integrated all the aspects of your life, and not feel you are missing out on something. I find it's quite hard to feel satisfied if I'm not making, making all the time, but then I feel as if all I do is work! You seem to have found a comfortable balance that works for you, and that is inspiring.

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  6. the work is gorgeous...and i'd have to agree that having a part-time 'other' job, still in the creative field, would both support and feed the 'real' work by taking away the need to make things that sell quickly.
    sometimes i think wouldn't mind one myself - other times i look forward to packing that suitcase :o)

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  7. i can see the advantages of your working life. i wish i didn't have the health insurance (and retirement, etc) looming so i could be parttime at some work work.

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  8. What you have said here is so true, Lotta: 'creativity goes into everything I do – even in tasks like house keeping, gardening, and cooking'. What a liberating revelation.
    As an artist with a part time day job, this post really resonates.
    (Your recent work is knock-out)!
    -sus

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  9. I'm in the process of contemplating the exact same move--getting into a more structured design-related job. You'll have to let me know what you think! Your work is so refined. I love how you've embraced so many aspects of the natural dye and sewing projects. LOVE IT!

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  10. Your quilts are just beautiful. I am glad your decisions have worked out well for you. Mary

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  11. Your art is just so lovely! You have also given me food for thought, and since I have recently had to go part time due to Obamacare, I have some extra time to be creative while I am I between adding another job. I don't intend to waste that time, but I will approach it a bit differently, I think.

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