Borders and Boundaries

 Last look at the mat, I promise. You might notice I have added a braided border. Overall I am very pleased, both with the result and my perseverance in sticking with a frustrating task.
Notice the wonky join of the strips. I was sailing along, thinking "This isn't so hard", and then I hit the butt join. Somehow I got myself into a Mobius strip situation and I couldn't make it join perfectly, even with the helpful instructions of a book on braided borders. I worked on it last night til 10:30 and decided to pack it in, hoping the clear light of morning would reveal my mistake. Didn't quite happen that way, but I was able to fudge it enough so not too many people would notice.

But going through that process helped me to realize that doing projects like this, where I have to learn a new skill, are very useful in tackling bigger, more serious pieces like the Codex Canadensis. Working in a medium I am unfamiliar with keeps my brain limber, and trains my ability to be patient and persevere. I think it saves me from getting into a rut, and refreshes my creative energy so that when I return to my "real" art I can look at it with new eyes. A few of my friends tell me I shouldn't waste my time on outside projects, but I realize why they are important in the grand scheme of things. The fact that they are fun is just a side benefit!

Comments

  1. Very nice job on the braided border. Honestly, I don't see the join that you are talking about. I have not been brave enough to attempt this braiding yet, although I see plenty of it at my occasional rug hooking events.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh please! Of course you should "waste your time" doing anything at all that makes you happy! Call it a palate cleanser piece. Or just something practical and fun. I love your hooked mat - now with braided borders! Who cares if it's "real art" or not?

    ReplyDelete
  3. My daughter who studies psychology encourages me to keep learning something new as often as I can since this helps keeping Alzheimer away. So know you also have a scientific 'excuse'!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous9:42 AM



    I second Louisa 100%.

    ReplyDelete
  5. love how the border holds the sense of playfulness

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Please forgive me for using word verification. The spam robots got to me.