tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20432226.post8814315687459857126..comments2024-01-31T17:39:44.323+00:00Comments on margaret-cooter: Blank canvas, blank mindMargaret Cooterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08529035740804527176noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20432226.post-8460298917420246452014-04-09T19:45:00.740+01:002014-04-09T19:45:00.740+01:00I come to your thought-making comments via Connie&...I come to your thought-making comments via Connie's blog - which I've followed with great interest for some time now. <br /><br />As to starting something new and something I couldn't do, when I retired almost 7 years ago, I took up textile art after very little specific previous experience but with a great deal of enthusiasm and a belief that given time I might be able to 'do it'. So perhaps that's some sort of answer to your question of why people start completely new things - a certain level of faith, maybe blind and misguided, but nevertheless faith, in themselves and their abilities. <br /><br />Also, there was for me at that stage in my life, a wish to start something new and enthralling to give my life focus after giving up a very fulfilling job. I've discovered through this that staring anew can be exciting as well as intimidating. But it was more than time-filling. <br /><br />All my adult life I'd told myself that, when I had time, I would go back intensively to the 'arty stuff' that I'd parked in my early 20s to earn a living. For me then, this new start was the result of a promise to myself that I knew I had to keep. <br /><br />Returning to it has given me enormous enjoyment and introduced me to good friends, both here and in the 'real' world. What more could I want?Charlton Stitcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03052815242463837033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20432226.post-58192870532091198992014-04-08T16:44:58.191+01:002014-04-08T16:44:58.191+01:00Excellent post! Thanks for Flora's video, I h...Excellent post! Thanks for Flora's video, I hadn't seen it before. <br /><br />Beginning is difficult for me, too, and I feel flummoxed usually before I even begin. <br /><br />I love what Birdie had to say, and perhaps it's a similar thing for me as well ~ once I get good enough at something, art quilting for instance, then it's time to move on to something else. I do think it's about the urge to branch out, try new things, challenge oneself. Surely you can't consider yourself not also doing this -- look at all the media you're constantly switching amongst. <br /><br />Frequently I've disliked that I'm virtually always a beginner with a specific medium, and wish I had a lifetime body of work in one arena like so many other fantastic artists, in every medium. Alas, that's never been my way. It's always been about moving on, new challenges, learning new skills, etc., even though that's been very difficult at times.<br /><br />In every facet of life, though, I've started over so many times that I've begun to think of this as my karmic path in everything. To begin anew.<br /><br />Thanks again for the great post!Cate Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04079028386218370915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20432226.post-2480621390686283992014-04-08T08:25:34.767+01:002014-04-08T08:25:34.767+01:00Given the post I assume that last question is for ...Given the post I assume that last question is for yourself?!<br /><br />I begin each painting with no idea of what I will paint or how I will paint it. Or even if I can do it. That's the way I like it.<br /><br />Textiles are a hobby for me and my process is different, more plans, it's easier really, that's why it's a hobby.<br /><br />Painting though, that demands everything of me, my curiosity, my intelligence, my intuition, my knowledge, my experience and my willingness to takes risks, not to mention my creativity, emotions and love of colour.<br /><br />And that I think is why I do things I don't know if I can do. Because nothing else is as satisfying as a task which engages every aspect of my being.<br /><br />Maybe that's why everyone takes on such challenges?<br /><br />Hello btw :)Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05066730008932728469noreply@blogger.com