Creativity
I was at Joann Fabrics this weekend. I don’t often visit these huge craft meccas as they don’t sell anything I buy except the occasional spool of thread. I find them a bit overwhelming.
I had my kids with me and my almost 14 year old son picked up a project book with instructions titled “Your Guide to Creativity” and said:
“In addition to tacky knick knacks you can also buy oxymorons here.”
Very perceptive kid.
Posted by Lisa in: Diversions
Omega said,
May 30, 2006 @ 12:29 am
The other, more sad truth is that there is also more financial reward in this kind of offer than in art textiles.
Lisa Call said,
May 30, 2006 @ 5:24 am
Absolutely Omega!
And to voice a very unpopular opinion I think “Quilting Arts Magazine” is a good example of this. This magazine is full of step by step instructions for making “art”.
Melody Johnson said,
May 30, 2006 @ 6:39 am
I too was at Joann’s and must return one more time. I found stretched primed canvas with the wraparound edge that I love, so I bought 14! I forgot pthalo blue, so I must return.
Glad to have your little self back in blogland! You are a smart balance to my dithering inanities.
cher said,
May 30, 2006 @ 6:53 am
welcome back! The value to those type of magazines is the chance to gain some basic instruction on a techinque when you do not have time to go take a class - however, I do agree with the silliness of art taught step by step so to speak.
samantha said,
May 30, 2006 @ 8:48 am
Welcome back! I do hit JoAnns for cheap supplies, esp with knitting as the good needles are above my budget right now, and I like to buy cheap yarn for practice, or things like fusible web/fleece etc, that are simply cheaper there. Still, the wal-mart feeling of mass creativity (??) is always odd.
Lisa Call said,
May 30, 2006 @ 8:54 am
Melody - I love your paintings - looking forward to seeing more.
Cher - I agree - learning new techniques can be valuable. But these books and Quilting Arts Magazine imply that learning a new technique and following the steps will result in “Art”.
I think learning new techniques is highly overrated in the art quilt world - way too much time and effort is spend on technique vs. content. If you have nothing to say who cares how many techniques you know?
Felicity said,
May 30, 2006 @ 12:36 pm
Well said Lisa!
Vikki said,
May 30, 2006 @ 6:44 pm
Lisa,
Your comment “way too much time and effort is spend on technique vs. content. If you have nothing to say who cares how many techniques you know?” intrigues me. I dont’ consider myself a trained artist, so…would you mind expanding your thought for me?
Lisa Call said,
May 30, 2006 @ 7:35 pm
Thanks for the comments Felicity and Samantha.
Vikki - I think the answer to your question deserves a post of it’s own - look for that post later this weekend - after 8th grade graduation rituals are over.
kirsty said,
June 1, 2006 @ 3:07 am
OK I walked away from the computer determined not to reply to this, but I’ve come back. You guys know that those “how to” books and magazines aren’t written for YOU. No, you don’t need them; yes, they could damage/inhibit/unduly influence your development as artists. They are written for all the students who come to my classes who are not and never will be artists, and they KNOW it. And they (and their processes and support systems)don’t need to be belittled by those whose gifts and talent and hard work produce truly beautiful and meaningful art. They are satisfied with the works that they produce with the encouragement and support of others. They are satisfied to have that work admired and valued by friends and family. These people are often the reason that some of us have the continuing opportunity to teach. While I too can see the “silliness” of “mass creativity”, I think we do well to remember that we are discussing a product that is not intended for artists.
Lisa Call said,
June 1, 2006 @ 8:25 am
Kirsty - sorry you were offended. But I think you missed my point. And that is that if these products are for folks that are not interested in being artists why does Quilting Arts Magazine run articles about “How to Make an Art Quilt in 10 easy steps”? To me that is not at all what you are talking about.
These are products that imply that making art is as simple 1, 2, 3. To me that belittles what I do as an artist. And that was the point of my post.
kirsty said,
June 4, 2006 @ 5:19 am
I getcha - yes, I think I had missed your point. You’re right, an article like that does imply that producing art is a simple process. One of the best aspects of quiltmaking for me, is that there is room for everyone, from the “paint by numbers” crafters to seriously committed art makers. Those who follow the magazine article, thinking that they are “making art”, will be happy and will produce nothing of lasting consequence. The artists among us will strive (as they always have) for excellence and originality and will produce work that may have longstanding influence and importance. I see the fight for acceptance(?) credibility (?) that art quilters face, and I can see (now) why these publications are making you prickle, but I just keep thinking “Success is the best revenge!” and, in the end, your gifts and achievements will have far more impact than our arguments!!
Lisa Call said,
June 5, 2006 @ 7:05 pm
Thanks Kirsty glad we came to an understanding. I agree, there should be room and respect for all in the world of quilting.