Lisa Call

Structures #69    ©2007    8.5" x 15.5"

 
Some more thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist. I’m taking a bit of a break from moving activities.

[All my posts on design principles.]

Design Principle #7: Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion in all groups dramatically increases richness of ideas, creative power, problem-solving ability, and acceptance of others. Encourage students to investigate, value and draw upon their own different histories, talents and resources together with those of other communities and cultures. Keep the schools and learning groups heterogeneous.

The Quilt Ghetto

Many (most?) textile/fiber artists tend to hang out with only other fiber artists. I hear the same is true for other disciplines such as photography or ceramics. When I started as an artist working in textiles, I was stuck in that same trap. Groups form to share ideas and techniques, friendships are made, it’s a great way to grow as an artist. It’s also a great way to get caught in the quilt ghetto.

The past 3 or 4 years I’ve actively looked to expand my circle of art friends and have found, just as the principle states, that the diversity results in richer ideas, more create power and problem solving ability and the ability to be more accepting of others.

Blogging has been a tremendous asset in building a more diverse and heterogeneous community. Once I get settled in Denver I’m looking forward to building new relationships with more artists of a variety of disciplines. I encourage all artists to break away from the pack every once and see what you can learn from those working in a different medium.

Structures #69 - Moving Sale

This small piece was inspired by the piece of artwork selected by Quilt National 2007 and now on tour, Structures #55. Today is the last day of my moving sale. Originally priced at $250, it is $150 for the next few days (since I’m posting it so late).

If you are interested in purchasing Structures #69, or any of my available artwork please email me.

Structures #55    ©2006    33" x 74"

Structures #21    ©2003    12" x 12"

 
Post #4 on my thoughts on the design principles from my kids’ Expeditionary Learning school and how they relate to being an artist. [All my posts on design principles.]

Design Principle #6: Collaboration and Competition

Teach so as to join individual and group development so that the value of friendship, trust, and group endeavor is made manifest. Encourage students to compete, not against each other, but with their own personal best and with rigorous standards of excellence.

The Power of the Group

In a previous post on the design principles I mentioned I belong to several artist groups. I feel the most successful groups are ones that operate on the above principle. We come together in friendship and trust looking to support each other. All individual and group successes are celebrated.

I’m a believer in the power of group energy. I think this type of collaborative and supportive artist group can propel all members forward. The energy that is created when a group of like minded individuals get together can be incredible. I always look at the artists in my online support group, The Fiber Connection, and can see the results of such group support.

I’ve recently started working with a small mastermind group from the Artist Breakthrough Program I took with Alyson Stanfield last month. Each evening we email the other members a list of our goals for the upcoming day will be and a report on how we did on the current day’s goals. Having the group energy and the accountability to stay on track have been huge. Although the last month I focused on my house instead of my art, I know this group was a significant contributing factor to keeping me on task.

I highly recommend both Alyson’s program (next one starts in August) and finding a small mastermind group to share your daily goals and successes.

Becoming My Best

I am constantly thinking about how I can improve my art and my art business. Being in competition with oneself is a healthy way to achieve one’s personal best. I track my goals, my time spent in my studio and my accomplishments and I think a lot about how to make improvements in all areas. I have extremely high expectations for myself and by checking in to see how I’m doing every once in a while I find I can keep improving and tweaking what works and what doesn’t.

While I do look to other artists to see how they are doing I try not to compare myself to them. I might not always succeed but I’ve found that over time I am much less concerned with how other’s are doing. I rarely feel a need to bring out the yardstick to see who might have more shows or sales or better art. Competing only against myself is enough. It’s healthier and my life is calmer when I’m not getting caught up in how I’m doing compared to everyone else.

I can’t claim this is easy, not comparing (and then feeling either inferior or superior) but it’s something I have been putting energy into. Staying focused on the present moment and not getting caught up in the past or stressed out over the future is a huge help.

Moving Update

My house went on the market today and I had a second showing this afternoon. I hear they loved it and will be presenting me an offer in the morning. All the hard work has paid off. Woohoo. On thursday I will start looking for a house to purchase as it looks like I’ll be moving soon!

I have to admit it’s been a challenge to sit here the last hour and write this post as I’m much more tempted to search real estate ads to find the perfect home. Then I remind myself I have a real estate agent that is getting paid plenty to find the homes for me. So I’m working on relaxing and knowing she will do a fabulous job and the right house will soon be mine.

Structures #21 - Moving Sale

A study in working small, something that is I find a challenge but enjoy doing the more I experiment with it. This piece is also available as part of my moving sale. Originally priced at $225, it is $135 until June 15.

If you are interested in purchasing Structures #21, or any of my available artwork please email me.

Detail of Structures #21: