Monday, May 14th, I will be giving a presentation at the Bedford, NH Public Library from 7:30-9:00 pm. Fiber artist Laura Morrison and I have been invited by the Bedford Craft Guild to talk about our work. (There will also be an exhibit of our work during the month of May.) We'll be speaking especially about the idea of transitioning from craft to "fine art." For me, that transition revolves around ideas. Most crafters follow patterns, or create versions of projects learned in a class or in a magazine. Becoming an artist requires formulating one's own ideas. Sometimes an idea can begin with something seen in a magazine, in a window or on someone's person (for clothes, jewelry, etc.) If one can fundamentally transform the existing item, something new is created. Ideas come from myriad places. The natural world inspires artists in infinite ways. The colors of a rainbow, a sunset, an ocean lagoon can all fire an artist's imagination. The shape of shells, acorns, trees, or antlers can be the start of a design. So can textures, think fur, bristles, porcupine quills, and patterns, like zebras, tigers, turtles, etc. Math can be a source of inspiration as well in patterns, pyramids, and more. Ideas can have specific sources when creating for a themed exhibit. They can build on previous ideas (one of a series, for instance). Ideas are elusive and everywhere. They can arrive fully formed, or grow and change with examination and work. They can come in the middle of the night, which is why some people sleep with a journal beside their beds ready for entries upon waking. I often get ideas while out jogging or walking. I spend time in contemplation, but then my brain needs to work behind the scenes pulling various things together, taking them apart until a new idea arrives. Last week I talked about beading alone and having accompanying diversion, but that alone time can be a critically important component of formulating ideas. How do you arrive at your ideas? If you are local, please come to Bedford May 14th. The discussion is open to the public and there will be light refreshments.