Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Yippee!

I submitted some proposals to Lark books for an upcoming book called "The Art of Jewelry: Fabric." They have a lovely series of books in the "art of jewelry" line. There is one on polymer clay and one on paper.

I looked through the paper one at the bookstore and got a good feel for the style. It was very clean, modern and a bit edgy. On America's Next Top Model when they are talking about models who can pull off a modern, edgy look, they call it "editorial." As opposed to "catalog." Anyway, this line of books feels very "editorial." (What? You don't watch ANTM?)

Now whether any of this "editorial" jewelry is very practical or wearable by the average person, hmmm that's a good question. But who of us is average?!

I'm thrilled to say that they accepted my proposal for this necklace. I called it a "fused forms necklace."
I'll have to write a full materials list and directions and provide examples for the step-out shots. Then it will be published. So fun.


I had a great experience working on three projects for Lark's upcoming "Creative Quilting with Beads." It feels like real work. It feels professional and creative. I find myself rising and falling and drifting about with the possibilities of treating my art like a career. Sometimes I think I'd like to truly make it a job. Other times I barely want to take on any real responsibility at all. I know this struggle is not unique. Kristin has written about it much more eloquently than I. Robin has also shared similar struggles.


What am I trying to saying? I've written and erased about seven sentences as I continue to try to pull together some thoughts on this topic. As I wrestle with possibilities, I even struggle with the purpose of this blog. For today, it feels great to embrace the opportunity to do some writing for books and magazines. I keep hoping the other stuff will become clear as I continue to talk with other arty types, make art and carefully evaluate the process and results of each project.

In the meantime, another cuppa coffee, please.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Deborah, I've read your blog for a long time and never posted to your comments. Today just seemed like a good day to talk to you....
Keep in mind you are an Artist, defined only by you. You get to decide... direction, fast or slow, from Abundance or Scarcity, it is a choice. From this side of the computer screen it looks like Abundance!
LYN

Kristin L said...

I say, if it works for you, then go for it! You seem to have a feel for this kind of work, and I would think that you could do as much or as little of it as you wanted (within reason). I also can't imagine the struggle between family, work, creativity, practicality, sanity, obsession, and on and on ever being anything other than a struggle. Static is complacency. You are growing and evolving -- embrace it! (Easy for me to say -- not so easy (for me) to do!)

Anyways, cool necklace. I could see wearing it and I'm anything but "Editorial." "Edgy Catalog" ( CB2, West Elm, Sundance) but not Editorial (too over 40 for that).

Diane Perin said...

Congratulations on having your necklace accepted -- I think it's fabulous! FIERCE! (Yes, I watch ANTM, too!)

I am so impressed at how you turn your style in various directions (quilts, paper projects, jewelry, clothing) with such stunning results. YOu have a clear, clean style and I love seeing how you turn it in different directions. And I hear you on the searching, seeking, questioning issues... but I think it's ASKING the questions that is important, not really solving them.

kathy said...

This is lovely! I'd wear it for sure with exactly the same camisole you have on.
I think you're doing exactly what you're meant to do. I know I spent so much time 'angsting', (is that a word?)over what to BE when i was younger, that now when I look back on it, I did and WAS exactly what I wanted to be. Does that make sense? Life happens and all that....

Gerrie said...

Woo hoo! You know I would so wear that necklace! Congrats.

Gerrie said...

PS: I think you are finding a way to be a professional artist. It will change and evolve over time. Just embrace your successes, keep focussed on what works for you and your family and do the very best work that you can do.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the book, Deborah! The necklace is lovely. Snow in Texas? You really shocked me with those photos!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Deborah! It's a lovely necklace and I am sure will be a popular project!!!! Gosh... I go away for ten days and look at all the news.... Happy b-day to Benjamin, too!

Cheers, Sarah