A day at the library - planning for success

Spent the majority of today at the Ipswich Library at Orion / Springfield. Booked myself a quiet room for a few hours of serious research and the relaxed for a few more hours in a general area for those needing quiet time.

It gave me a chance to think about how I carve out time and need to hold on to time for planning and the "business side" of being a creative. I'm utilising some terrific resources through the Make Big Art group and really focussing on how to build a sustainable arts practice, build confidence in producing my art and eventually, I'll participate in the Greenhouse group and work with Lisa Call to develop a deeper body of work.

The library resources are simply fantastic with multiple areas to work, focus and participate - meeting rooms, learning spaces technology and old fashioned chairs in which to immerse oneself in a good read. My idea for a perfect day.

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Making progress Trees #2

Repurposing quilts

I made a king sized quilt many decades ago for a friend and after many winters she returned it because of wear and tear. Instead of faithful service, stories and history, she saw something that no longer held value. There were tears and wear points, and the only other option if I couldn't repair it, was to throw it away. I suggested she give it back and I'd turn it into bags. Fifteen so far, and that used one of the side panels. Two side panels and the top of the quilt to go. I'll try to find some other ways of giving the quilt a second or third life, ever so glad it stayed out of landfill.

The Move Part I

Moving fortnight, rather than a day. We've loaded the vehicles and made the round trip each morning until only the heavy things were left for those with younger backs a.k.a the removalists. The advantage seemed to be in unpacking each box each trip so that when the "big day" arrived, everything was in its place except the studio. Not sure how the majority of boxes, crates and cases were labelled "studio" and it felt like the Sorcerer's Apprentice - never ending boxes from seemingly nowhere. Unpacking is a chance to renew an old acquaintance with materials and objects not seen since they were stored 2+ years ago. It begs the question about whether I need any of it given I've managed to create in a confined space while we waited for the build. Everything is being reviewed for the joy it brings, why it is in the box, what I will do with it, or can I thank it for its service and find a new home? A long, hard and muscle-wearying experience, but one that the ...

Ali George Artist

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