whileshenaps.com

Sewing, blogging, and creative business.

a parrot

I was at the local boutique earlier this week chatting with the owner, Victoria, about my birds and as we began to think together about a show/launch party in January, I saw her look over the dozen or so birds I had set up on her desk and say, "You like things toned down. Neutrals. Earth tones." I agreed that I do like that color group, especially gold and deep reds. 

If you look through my Flickr photos, at my birds set, you will see what I'm talking about.  Pale.  Muted. And I like that, but I began to think about why. Why do I choose these washed out colors.  Birds, after all, come in all kinds of colors, some especially vibrant. Think of parakeets, yellow warblers or cardinals. Bright!

Victoria said, "I could see a grouping of tropical birds in vibrant, saturated colors. That would look really great." 

Interesting.

I think in some ways I am afraid I'm not very good at this. I try to make beautiful things, but then select colors that will fade into the background, that will not impose or draw attention to the work. Art is, after all, a reflection of the inner self. And a good portion of the time I feel that way about me. I like to observe, to not impose.

But now that I'm aware of why I have selected the colors for my primary work, my birdmaking, I am beginning to feel differently. I can do it. I can stand out and draw attention. 

I can make…a parrot.

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With bright pink, and green and yellow feathers (I had to go to the fabric store and buy new materials for this guy).

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And I don't need to be shy.

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Feels good.

Comments

  1. maya says

    Oh Abby! I can sooo relate to this post! My palette is similar to yours… I will have to reflect on my reasons. I do know that color tends to scare me, not in others just with my own work. I’m so impressed with your parrot. It is gorgeous and vibrant!

  2. Lovely World says

    I just clicked here from your flickr. I like this post a lot. I think many of us struggle with the creative process. And that is what it is, a process. We never “arrive.” So now maybe your palette will brighten. I look forward to seeing the evolution!

  3. Melissa Crowe says

    Amen!
    Your resolve to use more color reminds me of my own current exploration of alternatives to wool felt–it has created a kind of artistic revival of the spirit, and it looks like the same is happening for you! Hooray!

  5. Linda Hicks says

    That is the artist in you…boldly
    stepping out of your comfort zone.
    Inspired by you, maybe I can try
    subtlety sometime! Cheers.

  7. MandaPanda says

    Abby! He is just beautiful!! He is proof that you can step boldly out into this world and declare your presence! You are so talented and amazing!! Living in Aus, I am surrounded by amazingly colourful and quirky birds, if you need any inspiration, just ask and I can send you a bunch of photos I’ve taken. You go girl!!! I want one of these guys!! You;’re gonna have to make a heap for the shop, these are going to be a hit!!

  8. abbyjane says

    Thanks so much, Manda. I am working on some more colorful birds. It feels great! Thank you for your kind words. I hope I can visit Australia and see all your beautiful birds myself some day!

  11. abbyjane says

    Thank you! I'm glad I found your site. It seems like we are both interested in the same sorts of things. I love your camel!

  12. abbyjane says

    Thank you, Maya! That means so much to me, coming from you. It has been interesting to step back and examine my thinking when it comes to color. Still have some more stepping back and examining to do, for sure.