Rhythm

A busy week but a nice flow.  Another shipment went out to Gallery 50 in Michigan.

I went with Z and J on a little road trip to see the Picasso Exhibit in Richmond.  Funny we did a lot more of this kind of thing when the boys were younger, and they don’t really remember a lot.   Now everyone is more free to look or not look and find what is of interest to them, and the discussions are much better during the trip.  Another event coming up this weekend.

I have been working late the last few days, the creative juices are flowing.  The trip really helped-sometimes your just need to get away, I guess.  The logging that I started last week has  given me a nice rhythm, I had forgotten how much I like to just doodle and write little bits.  So it will continue.

Have a great weekend where ever you are!

Logging Time

in blue journal

It is Monday and another week is waiting to be filled with activity.  As we all know time has a way of speeding past, especially when we are under deadlines and time in our lives moves on-you know we get older.  I have always struggled with time management,  I procrastinate,  I get really good ideas at the last minute, I think I need one more item to take to a show.   I have decided to try something new to help me overcome this problem.  I keep a calender book and also make list, I have many, many sheets of paper lists.   After reading this post from Austin Kleon, I want to start “logging”  these ideas in a type of book.  Since I have been moving my studio, I am finding all these sheets of paper are a huge mess to keep and it has not been helping me manage my day.  I hope as I log in a book my days events it will give a better picture of when my time goes and I can make changes in scheduling to find the time to do what I need as well as do the things I really want to enjoy.

“A log book keeps track of knowledge acquired over time. It can be a record of data, thoughts, or activities. It answers the question “What did you know and when did you know it?” It documents the rationale for the actions you take.”

I really like the above statement as well,  form this site.  I hope this logging will also help with the focus of my work and teaching, with so much stimulation, trying to narrow down ideas is a problem.  Also, reinventing each new project for class,  if I have it all in one place I can just pull ideas.

I think it will be like lists for Blogging.

J. J. Boyles  Journal

Creativity

I am super busy working on a wholesale order this week.  I always get so many ideas at the last minute, it is some of my most creative time.  Doing wholesale has been a great help with the focus part of  my work and design.  I have things more planned and it helps me focus.   I did just move my studio to a new location in my home last week, so the focus is a little cluttered right now.  I will have new images of my studio soon.  This photo below is a little sample of my current collection.  I am combining screen printing, with applique and embroidery(hand and machine).  Also this client wanted all items with house/home themes.  I try to make each one a little different (since I use some reclaimed fabrics) it can be a challenge to make each piece of art unique but also work as a collection.   How do you stay creative, without being distracted?

Invitation to Print

In all the research on screen printing and other fabric design processes, I can across Spoonflower. It looks like a great idea still in Beta stage. I am happy to say that I have been invited to have some of my designs printed to check out the new system. Now to get to work one of all those ideas in my head.

Monday Moods

This journal will be going through some changes in the coming weeks.  A new looks for new ideas that are filling my head.  I want to showcase art and design from many places and styles.  But also bring some art and design techniques for a little behind the scenes of a working studio and gallery.  The space is finally coming together and now the focus can be on creating and working with other artisans. A little more fashion for personal style as well.
Monday will now be to set the mood or focus of the new week.
This inspiration board is from the flickr group by cursive design. The web site and blog are here.
This is my mood for the week.