Someone recently asked me if I sketch out the designs on my stone first, or if I had a concept of what they would look like.
The short answer is no.
The longer answer is that my art is an organic thing. I value the process as much as the end result. So when I sit down with a stone, pick some colors, and start to stitch, I do it without an idea of where the stitches are leading me.
Sometimes I find out pretty soon into a stone but some, like this one, take longer before I know where I'm going with it.
I began by capturing a small stone under stitches, a technique that signifies an embracing of something precious. Knots and beads started to surround the stone and then some thin green plants appeared. Next came small circles, then a line, then another. Soon I knew where I was going. I added more plants, the hint of movement, and ripples at the surface and what I had was a skipping stone.
A small stone skimming the surface of water, leaving bubbles in its wake, a view of the watery landscape beneath it.
It will settle at the bottom after its wild ride. After losing momentum. But not until then.
In my shop today.
The wool a mottled mix of watery hues, more subtle than the photos are showing. (why must you mess with my photos, blogger?) Stitches in blues, greens, russet, and gold. A bit over 3 inches long.
What can you tell me about your process? Do you always know where you're going? Are you a sketcher? What do you leave to chance?
