Beneath the Surface I'm IN!

 Beneath the Surface, a special exhibit, will be presented by Dinner at Eight Artists (http://www.dinnerat8artists.blogspot.com/) at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach, CA - July 22-25th at the Long Beach Convention Center. This special exhibit is sponsored by Moore's Sewing Centers(http://www.moores-sew.com/) and Brother International (http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewing)

And the most amazing thing is that my quilt, Quagmire, is going to be a part of this special exhibit. I am SO THRILLED! This is a first for me. It is the largest piece I have ever made, 3'x4'; and it is the first piece I have ever had in a juried show.

With this quilt, I tried to work through the self-imposed demons that keep me "beneath the surface" of the magical world of art quilting. I get all tangled up in self-doubt, laziness, fear of failure, and procrastination (just to name a few). BUT, I have good friends who keep throwing me lines of encouragement, offering me their support as I reach for growth, courage, confidence, creativity, artistic expression.

As I worked on this quilt, I had a real "ah ha" moment, the clear understanding that I dishonor my friends as well as myself when I make self-deprecating statements about my skills and abilities.  I am not going to do that anymore. I might still have those feelings; but, I am no longer going to give them voice. I will still need and treasure the support of my friends; but I will accept and honor my own creativity. Not a bad outcome for one quilt do you think?

Here is a detail shot of the quilt.

Did I mention that I am SO THRILLED?