I am having a really hard time in my personal life right now which has lead to some sleepless nights. The other night at 2 am, I pulled out a large piece of cotton batting and started pouring lots of diluted red textile paint on it which was left over from a bunch of almost empty paint jars. I hate to throw good paint away, so I poured water in the jars, shook it up and poured it on the batting, spreading it around with a big brush. I dumped some purple and russet on there too, covering a 3 foot by 4 foot piece of batting.
It felt good to just pour out all that paint and spread it around, pouring out my anger and grief. Then I grabbed an almost empty bottle of gold, added some water and put it in a bottle with a small hole and squirted the bottle onto the batting, hoping to add in something uplifting like a bit of gold and goodness that could come out of this. I am trying to be optimistic, as hard as that is right now.
In the morning when all was dry, I freely cut big holes with a rotary cutter in a piece of turquoise hand dyed cotton with Mistyfuse on the back, to represent my external calm that I am trying to maintain, but also my sadness with all that watery blue pouring down.
I chalked in some lines for some stitching on the red batting, then I will do some more linear quilting on the blue.
As I work through this piece, I will work through this transition in my life. I hope that I can transform some very negative feelings into ones of hope and beauty and come out the other side in a better place.
29 responses to “3 of Swords – Working through some stuff”
Oh Judy – I am pulling for you. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. Hopefully as you create the art, you will work through the pain and sorrow to the sunshine where hope resides. Take care my friend.
Grief and despair can be so paralyzing. Keep working your wonderful magic. Good wishes for you–
Sending you hugs and wishes for sunnier days soon.
Hard times, lead to learning experience, leads to good times!
A great way to work through stuff through an art experience! stay strong.
Kahlil Gibran said: “Sadness is but a wall between two gardens.” Praying that you soon reach the garden waiting for you on the other side. You are blessed to have your art to carry you over the wall.
Oh, Judy, I’m sorry to hear you’re in such shape, I hope you’re able to navigate your way out of your unhappiness soon.
Your magic with fiber will help you through your troubled storm. You are a strong and dynamic person and once you can see beyond anger, plan for better days. Just don’t forget you need rest too!
I hope you find some calm (and sleep) soon. It seems you are working through things in a good, positive, creative way. Be gentle with yourself and take care.
hang in there Judy. Art will help you heal.
xo
Judy ~ Quilting has always helped me to work through different challenges in my personal life. I’m hoping it will provide the same comfort to you. I really appreciate your spirit and love to read your blog.
Take care ~ Laura T
I’m sorry to hear you are going through a topugh patch. Sadly, it’s a part of life, but aren’t we artists lucky to have an outlet to give us distraction, and comfort?
I’m so sorry to hear about your sleepless nights. It looks like you are really putting them to good use. I hope it gives you comfort and helps you to pull through this difficult time in your life.
Feel your pain sister. Keep creating, this to shall pass.
Judy- This Chicago winter isn’t helping either. I’m thinking about you! Art has a way of healing… Sunnier and brighter days are ahead, I just know it.
You have a loving community of artists who are right here with you. I am sending you some virtual hugs and lots of love. Hang in there. Keep creating.
Oh I love this! I love the blue cascading down and the color of the red.
I am very sorry to hear that things are tough for you right now. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that things will be brighter for you soon.
I am blessed to have so many wonderful supportive friends, I feel your positive energy and appreciate it so much.
xoxo
Your project looks beautiful, sometimes it helps to literally “pour” out our feelings. I will say prayers for more calmer days,and more sleepful nights. Live strong and Many Blessings.
Judy-=-I am so sorry you are going through a rough time right now. Being able to work it out in art is a wonderful and positive step.
Hugs to you my friend! I am thinking of you and hope it gets easier.
Judy, your art and your blogging provide us with a look into the beauty of your creations. I hope your creativity will bring you some solace during this difficult time.
I hope things start looking up soon. Have you tried any of the binaural beats apps? I love them, they help me get to sleep when my mind is racing. Hugs.
it’s a fabulous piece – really fabulous. i can attest to the healing power of flinging paint around and working through pain – i made a quilt called catharsis a couple of years ago that i poured all my grief at a disintegrating relationship into.
i hope your pain and healing are as swift as they can be
hugs
Judy, sorry you’re going through this difficult time. Hope this artwork helps you through to a more peaceful place. Sending big hugs and positive thoughts.
What do non-artists do for therapy? I wish you much catharsis and healing with this piece and maybe many more. What a gift we have to be able to work through our challenges doing something that we love. Keep on keepin’ on.
Good luck, Judy! I pray you have artful time of rejuvenation and laughter.
I love your work and the “you” revealed in your blog. I’m sorry for your pain.
[…] the past when I’ve been devastated emotionally, I’ve turned to art to work through my pain. I find it the most emotionally therapeutic and healing exercise one can […]