looking sideways

The artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster create wonderful sculptures of junk that cast shadows which are completely surprising (see the work here.) It reminds me that when encountering ideas it is sometimes best to look at them sideways or upside down or from above before coming to a complete understanding.

I am hitting roadblocks in my work. I don't meet the expectations I have set for myself. I don't have the patience to work. I dither and skitter from one to the next without purpose. I make snap judgments that destroy the original idea. Fiber art is by nature a slow process. It requires patience, meditative concentration and skilled, detailed execution. That doesn't work if I am flitting and thrashing. 

Perhaps I need to look sideways.

sideways shadows, Paula Kovarik, 2012

In

Voted in, chosen, juried and invited. Those are some of the words that make me feel good. It's a recognition by peers and an opportunity to show and tell. I just got word that my quilt, Round and Round it Goes, was selected for Quilt National 2013. I am grateful for the recognition, happy to be included and filled with anticipation to see the other works included.

In.

Round and Round It Goes, back, Paula Kovarik, 2012

cold chill in the air

After fighting the good fight to get our programmable thermostat to reprogram for heat instead of cool (including 254 frustrating taps on the timeclock to reset it's inner workings to the correct time [how crazy is that? why do engineers build in this frustration?]) I remember that my focus should be inner not outer today. A long quiet day in the studio to prepare these pieces for the upcoming show will soothe the anxious nerves that keep surfacing.

sunburst, 2012, Paula Kovarik

this is not water

instead it is the affect of water on two color sands. This natural marbling was fascinating to watch. Volcanic black sand mixing with ocean white sand. I found it more interesting than the monkeys who were behind me stealing dorito bags from our neighbor.

©2012, Paula Kovarik

the deadline approaches

I am preparing for a gallery show here in Memphis that begins on Nov. 2. Of course that brings a shiver of insecurity, a shake of delight and a shimmer of panic. I have three weeks to prepare all pieces. Most are finished but some are still in gestation stage. And that means long hours with the needles.

Here are three that need final touches.

Works in process, Paula Kovarik.