Observe

As I have previously stated, my personal artwork exists somewhere in the middle ground between fiber and painting.  I mostly dye fabrics using natural materials in my kitchen and sew them to paper, which I have either made or bought for painting purposes.  Mixed media might be a better way to define it.  As far as my creative process goes, I can often vary between extremes depending on the day and my mood.  Under normal circumstances, I like to work during the afternoon or evening, but never too early or late, as I get sleepy.  I almost always listen to music--but always from my computer (and never too loud) so I can hear other things that are happening around me, from the whirring of my sewing machine or my kitty sleeping behind me.  I like to be alone in order to minimize my distractions.  I usually don't eat and work, as that can get pretty messy and inconvenient with sewing, but sometimes I'll indulge in a glass of wine (or three) while I work.  My space is almost always neat and organized--a big mess makes me anxious and uncomfortable (plus I can never find anything when it's in a pile).  When I begin a piece of artwork, I almost always start by choosing a color palette that is seeming particularly inspiring to me.  From there I search for fabrics and papers that match my color scheme and go from there.  I have a plan of action before starting, but I never plan down to single details as I feel it really limits my creativity.  I'm interested in the process of moving, from the day I dye my fabrics in the kitchen to the day I sew the final french knot in a piece of paper.  The experience, the tactility of it all is what speaks to me.