It's official. I'm in a slump. Unless I have a deadline, I just can't get myself to create. Isn't that awful? It makes me feel like I'm not a true artist since I'm not creating just for the heck of it. I think when all the kids are back in school my muse will return. She BETTER! For right now though, all I want to do is pack up the towels and head to the local pool with the kids.
Does it count that I'm thinking about illustration? =O)
Here is an example of one such book that is sparking some inspiration. It has been out for a couple of years now and I finally ordered a copy for myself earlier in the summer.
In ,"Picture Your World In Applique", Margaret Cusack shares her techniques for creating machine stitched applique and includes 7 projects with complete instructions. The assignments are terrific but I enjoyed the section where she shares her studio just as much!
There are some fabulous applique books out there but I think the reason this one appeals to me so much is because she is an illustrator for books, magazines and greeting cards. I get so excited when I find other illustrators that are using tactile images successfully in the publishing genre. Plus, her work is simply gorgeous, the detail!
I would really like to incorporate even more fabrics into my illustrations and this book has given me some great momentum to give it a try... after summer that is.
=O)
Hey Roz, I know exactly how you feel about feeling the slump without a deadline! It was like that for me for the early part of this summer. But this book looks like it can be a start of something fun!! I look forward to seeing your projects!
Posted by: chickengirl | August 08, 2007 at 10:08 AM
It counts! Count those days with the kids and the pool as your inspiration for winter. Certainly it will come to mind if winter ever arrives in Las Vegas. As in most things, like keeping my white kitchen floor spotless..."you'll get over it."
Posted by: gingerpixels | August 08, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Hey, give yourself a break. Well, it sounds like you're not putting too much presh on yourself, and that is a GOOD thing. You probably need the rest, to refuel. Enjoy it as much as you can my dear!! Book looks very cool, too!!
Posted by: kathy weller | August 08, 2007 at 01:26 PM
Heya girl...a so called "slump" is always the calm before the storm. Rest up because the work, tight deadlines and a brain that's running on creative frenzy will return before you know it.
Relax...Clear your mind. Being an artist is in your bones...it didn't go anyplace. It's just taking a much needed break!
Posted by: deb johnson | August 08, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Thanks so much you guys, you've made me feel much better!
Posted by: roz | August 09, 2007 at 08:02 AM
I feel in a slump, too! I think it's because it's summer and almost gone and when we were kids it meant playing and not working and that sort of thing has been ingrained in our blood from the get-go! Have fun! And relax! All that creativity, imagination, inspiration will hit you hard when you least expect it. So enjoy yourself during the lull...
Posted by: shawn | August 12, 2007 at 04:21 PM
Hey Roz,
It'll pass, and you'll be busy again before you know it. I go through slumps too, we all do! Enjoy the rest and don't worry about it.
Thanks for posting Margaret's book. I think I need it!
Posted by: Paula Pertile | August 15, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Well, shucks, girl! It's summer! Play and enjoy it now because very soon we'll be back in the thick of it!
Posted by: Bettsi | August 15, 2007 at 05:05 PM
Roz-
She'll be back. And when she does return she will be a demanding witch. So enjoy your time while the muse is away.
Have fun swimming!
Posted by: Sheri | August 16, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I hate slumps. Sometimes I like to just play and not worry about anything. And this book looks like a very good way to play! I want to get it now. I've also seen a book illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines that's all applique. It has an extremely warm look to it. The title is "Whistling". In the meantime enjoy the rest of summer. :-)
Posted by: Tami | August 20, 2007 at 06:48 PM
What? You mean I'm not the only one feeling that way?
I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling slumpish. I think it's part of the normal ebb and flow of creating, and you are so prolific in your creations, you probably need some down time mentally and creativity wise. I'm sure you'll be back with a ton of new ideas and images soon.
The book you highlighted looks fantastic.
Posted by: Amy | August 31, 2007 at 04:17 AM
Hey Roz, I think you've got it backwards. You're not a real artist unless you hit slumps. ;-) I've read a ton of artist bios - not a one has failed to mention creative dry spells.
BTW they scare me too - but inspiration always comes back to surprise you. You can count on it. I'm going through my own slump right now, and am doing the same thing: Looking through books that inspire me etc to relight the flame.
Posted by: Paige Keiser | September 11, 2007 at 12:36 AM