It has been sometime since I posted on my blog. Can't really say why as I enjoy sharing my crafts and ideas. This past weekend I was at John A Finch Arboretum in Spokane, Washington as part of Spokane Art School's fundraiser with a bunch of other artists. Rather than selling projects it is the opportunity to create and donate (with half the proceeds going to the Art School). It was my first time participating in this event and the first time the art school hosted the event at the arboretum. It was a cold, windy and a rainy day, but I enjoyed it immensely! An outdoor event in Spokane can offer quite a range of cold to hot days so you have to take what you get. With thermal underwear and two wool scarves I lasted the day with only one coffee break to thaw out my hands.
My art was a little different. I recently started needle felting, and it piqued some interest as many had not seen it done in person before. I was able to demonstrate my technique and received complementary feedback on my art. Much of what I create at home goes unseen except when I drag my daughter back to the craft room for feedback. As grandma to her grandchild, I'm sure she feels a strong pull to be complementing--though she does offer some good advice now and then. Overall, I like the craft shows and different events to gain an in-person response to my craft. I can't say if I'm always accurate in reading a difference between a polite, "That's nice," compared to a heart-felt "That's awesome," but every interaction gives me some idea if I'm on the right track--and that is important to me. Bottom line, artist have to do it their own way, but it is nice to know that there are people who genuinely seem to like what I am making.
There are times I feel like giving up, that it really doesn't matter so an event now and then helps to boost my ego just enough to keep me going. I guess we all need to feed our egos now and then--not necessarily a bad thing if not done to excess. Whether or not you like this particular form of art it is mine to claim. Many commented on the Zen quality of needle felting, and I couldn't have agree more (as long as you don't run the needle through a finger!). I like making things and this is my newest activity, and I hope to grow and expand my skills. It's a nice alternative to keeping my hands in wool in the off season of scarf making!
I do have an Etsy shop with some of my needle felting listed or if you are interested in
my doing a special project all you have to do is ask. I love a challenge.
