This month, I plan to finish my “pandemic quilt,” so-called because I’ve been working on it for the past year-and-a-half. It’s a little uncomfortable not knowing what big project I want to work on next, but it’s also kind-of exciting.
Although I’ve worked on a few minor projects since starting the quilt, I’ve felt compelled to finish it, even though it's become a bit boring. Unlike some folks, who gladly flit from project-to-project, I prefer to complete one project before moving on.
Now I’m free to explore what’s next. While I may end up starting another quilt, after taking Nancy Grindstaff’s Barn Quilt Painting workshop in May and Christy Ammerman’s Textile Collage workshop a few weeks ago, I’m kind-of itching to revisit those mediums. I guess we’ll see!
(By the way, both of these wonderful instructors are teaching classes at Purple Crayon in September! Nancy is teaching her Barn Quilt Painting workshop again, and Christy is teaching a new mixed media workshop: Altered Fabric.)
In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about how to select my next big project. As much as I’d like it to be an organic process, I know that that’s easier said than done for me, Miss Project Manager. In my mind, all projects, including “Select a New Project,” have a beginning, middle, and end.
If you’re waiting for your next big project to reveal itself—or, more accurately, WHEN you’re waiting, since all artists wonder “What’s next?” at some point—I’d encourage you to consider how I’m planning to bide my time.
First, I'm going to create an environment that supports exploration and inspiration. I still have to bind my quilt, but that shouldn’t take long. After that’s done, I plan to clean up my station and remove all traces of my quilt. That will make space, literally and figuratively, for my next big thing, whatever it may be.
Next, I'm going to remain open to new ideas that spark my interest. Knowing me, I’ll be anxious to find a project to commit to just for the sake of committing, but I’ll try to resist the urge. Instead, I’ll wait until something really grabs me.
Throughout the process, I'm going to observe how I feel when playing with different mediums. I'll remember that, even if I really loved doing something in the past, that doesn’t mean I’ll still love doing it—and I'm going to give myself permission to let bygone passions go.
Most importantly, I'm going to keep showing up in my studio. Even if all I do is organize my supplies, I’ll surround myself with creative energy, and, eventually, I'm confident that my next big project will find me!
Of course, as Purple Crayon’s owner, I also get to attend all of our workshops, which always get my creative juices flowing! This month, I’m looking forward to learning how to make a Copper Bangle Bracelet on July 10th and a Wet Felted Bowl on July 24th. I hope you’ll join me!
I look forward to creating with you!
—Pam Robbins, Owner