The time of loathing...

This last two weeks, I have been focusing on finishing Tuning Fork #13.  Tuning Fork #13, you say, with the emphasis on the "13?"   Yes, that yellow and red monster is still on the design wall, despite the fact that I have finished Tuning Fork #s 14, 15, 16 and 17.  And I have started Tuning Fork #18.  14 through 18 are smaller, several of them very small indeed, and in my avoidance of TF 13, I have either worked on them at another venue (at a retreat and at Kyra's house) or I have pinned up a piece of flannel on the design wall over TF 13.  The piece of flannel technique has several advantages -- first, it gives me a nice clean wall to work on, and second it covers up TF 13.

That being said, now that I am working on it again, TF 13 isn't a terrible piece.  It feels a little clunky right now, but it is currently in hundreds and hundreds of pieces on the wall.  It's bound to look a little untidy.  I think the problem is this:  with every project I go through a "loathing" phase, and with TF 13 it has just lasted longer than normal. 

Why is this?  For one thing, it has been on the wall far too long.  International Quilt Festival, Thanksgiving, Christmas, family visits, volunteer commitments, travel -- it's all cut way too much into my sewing time.  And what little artistic energy I have had I have used to make smaller, easily finished pieces.  Finished pieces make me happy.  But while I make these smaller quilts, I stare at TF 13, which in my imagination glares back at me balefully.

Oh well, soon it will be finished.  For better or for worse.

Here it is as of Monday evening.  I've been working on the lefthand side.  I'll post an update when I get more of it together.
Monster! RUN!
So, my question is this:  Does every artist go through a "loathing phase" with each piece of work?  Is this normal?

OK, enough whining!  I did have good news today.  Tuning Fork #6 has been accepted to Form Not Function, Quilt Art at the Carnegie.  Whoo hoo!


I'm linking this post to Nina-Marie's Off the Wall Friday.  Go see all the wonderful work there!

Comments

Wil said…
Some quilts just demand more time than others do:-)
I beg to differ....I love it!
Sylvia said…
Oh yeah, sometimes pieces that won't cooperate can hibernate for years.
Linda A. Miller said…
Looks great! And yes, there are phases of loathing with some work... that can shift.
See, Heather, this piece is very interesting because you're out in unchartered territory and having difficulties with it. I like all your work, but this one may be at the top of the list. Oh, yeah, the loathing, that's a good sign, but you have to recognize it as a good sign so you can move on. When I'm in unchartered territory, I usually say "this is the worst piece I've ever done"--but I know from experience that that's a good thing so I can keep going and eventually get to the other side. Loathing is good...
best, nadia
Claire said…
I like #13--the contrast between the black and yellow/red is what draws my eye. And the movement between them.

I don't think I have periods of loathing, but I do have periods of indecision, and most things I put away end up taking an unexpected turn when I get them out again. Dormancy is a good thing. Either the subconscious works on it while I play with other things or I learn a new technique that is just right. Usually.

Since you don't have open ID, here is my blog addy: http://knitnkwilt.wordpress.com
LA Paylor said…
Oh yes, love it, then it's okay, then I've wasted all my fabric on this?? Then, love it again during the binding process. Hang on. It's a comin'
I had a great time talking to you at Houston show...
LeeAnna Paylor
Not Afraid of Color!
lapaylor.blogspot.com
CKB said…
Loathing, yes, I agree. But what caught my attention was offhand mention of showing at Carnegie at the end of post. That is a big deal!! Congratulations!! This deserves post of its own. Can we see pix of # 6?
Heather Pregger said…
Thanks for the reassurance, everyone! It's one week later, and things are going much better.

CKB, I did bury my good news, didn't I? I've just written a new post about Form Not Function and included pictures.