At this time of the year I always experience a lot of inner reflection. For me, it is a season of letting go. It is a process of releasing expectations of tasks and goals that did not get accomplished, and rejoicing in the big achievements that did. With the new year beginning so soon, feelings of hope and renewal are very present.
It was a few years ago, but I remember the time I was asked to part with my favourite tapestry. My first response was a hard no. But, as I let the idea steep for a few days- it may have been a few weeks- I decided I didn't have sound reason to keep it for myself. If someone else connected with it, they should have the chance to enjoy it. I still think about that piece fondly, but I know where it ended up and that the person who has it appreciates it.
After setting up for the Haiku exhibition in September, I had a brief period of panic where I wanted to put Not For Sale stickers on a few of my favourite little tapestries. After my initial desire to make some pieces unavailable, I remembered that part of the reason I create is to share my inspiration and vision of the world with others, even if I get attached to things I spend an incredible amount of time creating. I want the viewer to be able to take pieces of my art home with them to enjoy.
Learning to let go of pieces I've created has been difficult. I weave tapestries because I am drawn to do so. A body of work is based on a conceptual idea, not the intentions of selling it. In creating, I am not concerned with what someone else is going to think of them. I just make what I make, and hope my ideas are conveyed in my work. So, It is a real honour when someone feels drawn to a piece and wishes to own it.
Now that the exhibition is over. I might pull out a few tapestries and hang them on my wall to see how I feel about the them now. To see if they inspire anything new in me, to see if I feel that the tapestries need to be available for others to hang in their own places and be inspired by their presence, to see if I am able to let go.
