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Thursday, April 21, 2011

Quick WIP,,,and an Uncomfortable Realization

I really don't like talking about myself but I feel this needs to be said. To all my new followers who may not know and also some long time followers ...I suffer from a chronic and very painful illness that enjoys pounding me to the ground on average twice a month. I'm telling you all this not to gain any sympathy for my sad little self but to explain why I suddenly seem to drop out of blogging, twitter, facebook, etc on occasion and also to give an explanation of why it seems to take me forever to finish projects and why some just never get done.

When I'm feeling well I start all kinds of large projects with the full intention of completing them. I pretend that pain isn't lurking around the corner waiting to pounce.Unfortunately I usually only get part way through then I am down for the count. I find it's a struggle to get back into the momentum. As much as I hate to admit it, there is a depression element to my illness too which really doesn't help my creativity.

Now on to my uncomfortable realization. Some of you may know I design stationery and have my own little business doing that. Well after 5 years of suffering from this illness I can no longer keep up, meet deadlines and focus properly. It was a very difficult decision but I've closed that business. The stress level isn't fair to me physically and my not being able to do quality work isn't fair to my clients. I'll greatly miss those lovely clients and hope they will understand.

Meanwhile on occasion I have little bouts of lower pain times that I use to sketch or sew small items. Last night I had one of those times and pulled out the Paper Clay looking for something small and creative to do and made a little face. I've been so encouraged by Moriah of MLB Studios and Pam of Yoborobo to give clay a go. So I did. It was fun and since it needs to dry in between it was something I could do when I could and leave to dry when I can't. One day hopefully it'll go on a body and make a doll. Anyway here's my little WIP.
Lumpy and bumpy and full of eyes.
A little more detail.
Oh look a face.

7 comments:

Sarah Sullivan said...

Oh hon..I am sorry to hear about your pain...I have such admiration for those of you who keep steaming ahead despite it! Huge hugs! I agree..be good to you!
Whoo hoo to paper clay..go for it girl..I can't wait to see where this sweet piece goes from here!!!
Hugs, Sarah

yoborobo said...

I'm sorry to hear you get those episodes. Pain is no fun at all. I hope that lightening your schedule will help you to get some R&R. And HEY!!!! Look at you with your paperclay doll's head! Isn't it fun? I do it for the same reason, I can make a little piece, let it sit (or bake it) and come back to it when I get a few minutes. I can't wait to see the finished doll. :)) Hope you feel better fast! xox Pam

OurWanderingAdventures said...

Sorry to hear that and your face on a stick is cute :) ((hugs))

Deb said...

I am so sorry to hear that you deal with chronic pain. I don't think anyone really realizes what a toll it takes physically and emotionally to have to deal with pain on a regular basis. I am sorry it has now affected your ability to continue with your business but so glad to see that you have channeled your creative muse into the clay, what a wonderful face! Can't wait to see the continuation of your design as you are able. Sending healing energy your way, Deb

MLBetterly said...

SQUEALLLLLLLLL! Welcome to the darkside my friend! I am doing the happy dance over here. I am so happy that you decided to give it a go. Your first face is WAYYYYY better than my first face was. Mine looked like an ape with a deformed face. No joke. I had to spend hours and hours practicing sculpting faces before I finally got something that looked human and LOOK AT YOU! Your face is definatly human and I'm so proud of you for taking the plunge. I can't wait to watch you develope your skills with this awesome medium. You're gonna rock! Well, you already do.

The pain thing... I'm so sorry to hear this. That must be incrediably frustrating. Sending you lots of hugs and healing vibes.

Kaerie Faerie said...

fantastic face and thanks for sharing
and you will always have your colorful art-work to fall back on during the rough times, which can be a huge help in the depression area
maybe creating cute little faces will take the pain away
Karey

Wendy Wright said...

Sweet Sassy,

No need to explain. You seem to do a wonderful job at plowing away at your plushes and commissions. I think your blog is always updated...seriously. I am so sorry you suffer from chronic pain. I am sending healing energy your way. We all love your wonderful creations and will be standing by when you are ready to show us something new. :) You have been a real inspiration to me pulling out the thread, needle and felt! Big hugs and healing energy! :) -Wendy

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