Monday, June 4, 2007

Hello from Portland, OR

I'm so happy to be a part of this project! Usually I tend to see something like this and say, "That would be fun. But no time/no money/no motivation..." and whatnot. So I miss out on actually doing anything. However, beading is my art and passion, and has been ever since I discovered this little book, One Bead At A Time, at General Beads when I lived in San Francisco. That was in... 1999? 2000? Doesn't matter. The book completely changed my life and art, and, though I had sort of liked beading and beads, I've been completely bead-crazy since then. I bought the book in early summer, found out Robin was teaching at the Embellishment conference in Portland, and drove up there. I'd always liked visiting Portland, but this time I was completely won over by the city, and eventually my husband and I moved here.

At this time, my life is going topsy-turvy. We are selling our house in favor of a smaller, more art-friendly place (yet to be found), so our days are spent packing and doing various home improvement-type things. I'm also having some interesting family stuff going on with my elderly mother... At first I thought that, as much as I wanted to do this, it was crazy to be taking on such a big commitment. But then my husband, who has more common sense than I, pointed out that doing this would be a wonderful oasis of calm and sanity in the midst of all the upheaval and change. And he's right--it works! I'm in the midst of my first page, which I pick up and work on from time to time. I'm having to be very careful not to pack up all the beads, though!

I'm looking forward so much to seeing everyone's pages and ideas! I haven't worked out a theme or any plan, really, though I'm sure those will evolve as the year goes by. I'm thinking of a page size of 3 1/2" x 4", but that isn't final, I guess, until that first page is done. I'm not even sure if I will bind my pages in a book form or lay them out like a quilt, or...? I'm sure the pages will "tell" me what to do. And the best part... I, and all of us, will have 12 pieces of artwork at the end of this!

1 comment:

flyingbeader said...

Oh my...selling a house! That is stressful. Yes, I think sitting in a quiet place with a tray full of beads is a great way to find that oasis in the storm. I'm working on several challenges & pieces for three shows this summer along with this challenge. Whew...I'm thinking to just quiet my mind & when doing this journal, to take it easy & let my brain not worry about the other pieces.