the act of creation

I am someone who loves seeing a work in progress – sometimes even more than I love seeing a finished work. Sketches are my favorite kind of artwork because they emit such an energy of creation, if that makes sense. You can almost feel the decisions being made by looking at the page. The same is true for dance: a friend and I once got to see the San Francisco Ballet in rehearsal which was far more thrilling than seeing a polished performance. I love seeing and feeling the work that goes into creating something. And sometimes, sewing can reveal the same thing.

I meant to post these photos as part of Natalie Chanin’s Q&A last week. But in my enthusiasm for her work, I forgot. So here is my process so far of cutting, stenciling and readying my tunic. My own dress rehearsal in a very literal sense.

Comments

[cal]

i agree completely! i love seeing how people work, and their process, and the messy stages before something is final and polished. can't wait to see your dress! when i saw that the new book has the dress pattern, i knew i had to get it...

[connie]

what a pretty stencil design. Can't wait to see the finished project- I'm always inspired by seeing other's great creations

[Prue]

Hi Kelly,

I think we need another update on this! I started making my own Alabama Chanin style t-shirt yesterday. I've done the stencilling but am still in the process of choosing the colour for the underneath fabric. I think I spent most of last night dreaming about it!