Where I'm Headed: My Artistic Journey
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2022
- I've been debating as to whether I should do a video like this, but after a little encouragement from a few of my Patrons, I decided to go ahead and shoot this.
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After graduating from Parsons School of Design, I began my career in fashion design and freelanced both in New York City, as well as London. I designed hand knits for Elle Magazine and was the editor of the Hand Knit Page before hand knits fell out of fashion in the early 1990's and the page was discontinued. In 2008 I launched my jewelry design business, designing fine jewelry in 18 & 20 Kt Gold with gemstones that I hand select for each piece. Several awards and numerous write ups & interviews in all kinds of magazines and online zines, I rediscovered hand stitching and my life took another turn. I have been designing in some form since I sold my first felt embroidered xmas tree ornaments to a small shop in Northern California when I was 16 years old, and have never looked back. And while I've had detours along the way: had two children, worked at an advertising agency, got into acting in my early 20's, published some articles for various magazines and wrote for the Huffington Post for a few years, I have always come back to designing. It is my first love and remains so to this day.
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All jewelry worn in this video are designed by Ariane Zurcher available at: www.arianezurcher.com
*Disclaimer: Ariane is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com at no additional cost to you. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
A very similar journey...but in reverse. I began my journey as a fine art painter for a career spanning 25+ years. I was diagnosed with Stargardt's Disease, a degenerative eye disease that affects the central vision, about 10 years ago. As my visual acuity decrease, I found painting becoming more and more difficult. When the pandemic lockdown began here in Costa Rica, I found myself with very little to work on and very little desire to put myself thru the frustration of trying to paint. I had no exhibit scheduled due to the lockdown, and no future date set to work toward. That is when I decided to put the paints and brushes away and I began to sew and learn handstitching. Being legally blind, and the prospect of improvement nowhere in the cards, I found solice in a new medium that excited me once again and thrust me into creative mode....something I had been missing for some time. I know the courage it takes to tell people you are making a DRAMATIC change from what they are used to seeing from you. I know the voice in your head that says people won't understand the new direction and that you will lose friends and followers because of it. I also know the joy and the thrill of a new adventure and the prospect of meeting new peole that will cheer you on and support your creativity. Bravo! Bon chance and Pura Vida. @xntrst on Instagram
What a wonderful comment. Thank you so much. I looked you up on IG. You're doing such amazing work! It's really wonderful and makes me so happy to see. That you were diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease and didn't let that stop you from creating, is really, really brave and courageous and I'm literally applauding you. Thank you for telling me a little about your own journey. I so appreciate it.
Art is the language of the soul. We are growing and expanding constantly. Art is the reflection of who you are at the moment. Passion is what's motivated us to live life to the fullest. You are an amazing artist and these painting are amazing. Continue expanding on your journey. . You are a tremendous inspiration. Continue being yourself. Thank you for your bravely to share who you are.. Love 💗 only love 💗
Thank you so much Maria. Your comment was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you. I really, really appreciate it. For many years in my early adulthood "being myself" was the LAST thing I wanted or thought I should be doing. One of the blessings of growing older is giving permission to be. To just be. Thanks so much for validating that. What a lovely, generous, kind message. (everyone's messages have been so, so kind and supportive. I really appreciate them. All of them.)
I'll keep it simple. Just do you! You are a great creative force.❤
Play, explore, learn. It's all great!❤️ Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks so much Renee. "Play, Explore, Learn" a great motto for living an exciting wonderful life! ❤️
You must be having so much fun! Exploring without judgement is so life enhancing. I love what you're doing.
Thanks so much Nancy. Yes! It really is exciting (and sometimes scary) but mostly exciting!
I love this video. What a wonderful opportunity for self discovery!!!! You enthusiasm for your painting is contagious. I don’t need to want to paint to want to watch your process and see what you have created. The things you share give me ideas of what I might try with fibers. As always thank you for sharing as you reach for the stars.
Thanks so much Marti. I so appreciate you! ❤️
Thanks for sharing. Keep going, you'll found your way. 😊😊👍
Thx so much Hui. ❤️
Thank you Arianne, I love to see what you do, be it thread, or paint. Best wishes.
Aw... thank you so much Chris. I really appreciate that. ❤️
Thank you for being Courageous enough to share your journey. I love seeing your thought process, your designs, your colors, all of it. I am on a similar journey. I started drawing and painting to help my improv stitching and found I LOVE painting, sketching, and making gelli prints. Go with your passion and your intuition and everything will work out. I would much rather see and hear about your art journey than learn a particular skill. Seize the day!❤️❤️
Thank you so much Blair. I so appreciate the support and encouragement. I love hearing about your journey! How wonderful. ❤️
Oh thank you so much for being so honest and sharing all of this with us.
first of all; you are glowing: I don't know if it's down to the lighting in the new studio, but I'd like to think it's because you're happy and excited about this new direction; go you! you look younger, lighter, happier. And it makes me happy for you.
I follow you not just for the stitching, there are a gazillion TH-camrs who show stitching and sewing and techniques; I gravitated towards you because a) I love what you do, b) you share your process, your doubts and your successes with us, and that's what fascinates me the most.
I'd also love for you, when you're ready, to take us on a tour of the the Beast, when you feel it's finished; what you did, what you like about it now, how you feel about it now... you know.
One minor point, as an ex-DIYer; if you're gonna be using steel wool, I hope you use gloves, because little bits of steel come off, will get into your skin and can be exceedingly uncomfortable if not even dangerous! don't breathe it in too much either; ditto for the wire shavings getting in your lungs, but also acrylic paint dust is really not good either. in a workshop, I wore gloves and a mask when scrubbing with wirewool.
So all in all, love you, keep it at it, and thank you
Oh Laure, thank you. And thank you for the suggestions and advice regarding gloves and steel wool and sanding. ❤️❤️❤️
Exploring various art forms is an exciting and frustrating journey. If I had a nickel for every new thing I've tried....well, I'd have a ton of nickels! You are a wonderful artist--period--and it shouldn't lock you (or me) into a specific medium. We seem to believe that we must find a specific 'niche' or be able to put a label on what we do and while it makes it easier for others to identify our art form, it's not always the direction we wish to continue. I have many of your embroidery videos I will continue to watch and re-watch but will enjoy your new direction if you decide to share. Have fun in your temporary studio and enjoy your chance to explore new and old passions.
Thank you so much Lynne. What a lovely comment. I so appreciate it. ❤️
Follow your heart Ariane - we should do what sparks our creative spirit. Love what you are doing x
Thx so much. I really appreciate it. ❤️
When I was one semester from my Bachelor's Degree in Art, my advisor asked me what my plans/goals were after receiving my degree. I had no idea. I was already a professional weaver/spinner doing shows, etc. He then crushed me by saying I was not a very good "artist" and that I would have a difficult time making it in the "art world". That was in the 70's. Now that I am 74, what I have learned is I love to explore, learn new ideas, try out new techniques, and I love to take my thoughts and work it out. I am essentially an explorer. What did draw me to your videos is the stitchery, but then I saw your inquisitive-ness, your intuition your color magic, and your ability to just jump in and try things. It's okay to find that no longer interesting, and you are searching for a new medium to explore. It is fun to try new things and figure it out. Thank you for sharing your life and your thoughts. And also, thank you for your tutorials. They do spark my fascination and make me want to keep going.
Thanks so much Juliann. I always wonder when I hear stories like this about the "teacher" who has just managed to crush a young person's ideas and self confidence by making their opinions as though they were declarations of some sort of "truth." I'm so glad you didn't give up and continue to create! I think I'm in a place of learning and being very much a beginner, which is always interesting, but I wouldn't say I'm leaving the stitching behind or that it no longer interests me as much as I'm curious to see how it fits into this new medium! ❤️
Art is art, creativity is creativity. I do a lot of different things, watercolor painting, collage, embroidery, cross stitch, quilting, slow stitching, collage stitching. I cycle through them all. Sometimes concentrating more on one than another. Sometimes you just need a break, a palette cleanser. Just keep doing what you want. It is your journey after all that you are documenting. I love seeing all the different things.
Thx Debbie. Yes, agreed ❤️❤️
Relax into it!! YES!! Thank you for everything you do.
Thanks so much Mary!
It’s so great that you have the studio at this point in your life. And it’s equally great that you are following your intuition. You inspire me and I thank you.
Aw.. thank you so much. Yes! A studio, amazing!!
An old lady arrives at heaven’s gates on her speeding skateboard saying “Man, that was a good ride.” Sound good to me. Xxx
haha! Me too!
It’s. cool that you can evolve and you don’t have to stay in one place for your whole life. There is so much to explore. Go for it! We can always go back to your stitching videos for inspiration and learning when needed. Enjoy the journey! Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Thanks so much Margaret. I really appreciate that. ❤️
I too am going towards something different in my life. I have quilted for over 20 years and there is so much out there that we can explore. I love the journey you are on. Lets do as much as we can, life is too short. Enjoy everything you do and do everything you enjoy!
Thanks so much Yvette! I'm wishing you the same!
I'm saddened that there probably won't be any more of you sharing inspiring videos related to embroidery. I personally will miss you terribly. My day was considerably brightened when I watched a new video on youtube. It was like sharing time with an old friend listening to her chatting for half an hour. You have a great presence on the camera . Your ideas changed and added to my own growth and joy in stitching. I sincerely wish you well in your explorations with paint and other mediums. Great to see a fresh enthusiasm.....Nothing stays the same....... I expect Stef Frans. will miss you too..........All those threads, linens etc that you squeezed into your small studio always boggled my mind. Thanks again.
I don't think I will abandon any of that any time soon, but am more curious about incorporating it into this new medium! I'm not going anywhere. ❤️
Also you and TH-cam have gotten me totally familiar with what’s going on in today’s art world which I left 30 years ago. Thank you.
Oh Dolly, I'm so glad. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this. Your artist mind amazes me and I always look forward to your videos. You encourage me to try new things. As an aside, I will be using the chain stitch separated to look like rain drops on a small wool piece . You are far more important to your audience than you may know. Hope you will keep sharing. Enjoy the fun you are having.
Thank you so much Caroline. Wonderful regarding the Chain stitch. I love forward to seeing it! ❤️
I hope you don't completely abandon the stitched pieces. I love what you do with fabric and thread. But never fear I know I will still find great inspiration from what ever you do. I am also heading to painting but will be doing it on fabric and let the those creations guide me to how my textiles need to be incorporated. Create and inspire on Ariana, thank you
Nope not going to abandon at all, just getting to know a different medium and seeing everything can meld together!
I’ve read all 53 comments and apparently we are all of the same collective mindset right now. And I had a teacher at SMU in 1966 who totally crushed my Fine Art dream. In the ‘90’s I was a part of the cloth dollmaker movement and had one of my designs featured in the late Susanna Oroyan’s book, Finishing the Figure. Then when I retired I dove back in to art making. Now I’ve just discovered markers, gouache, watercolors, and playing in my sketchbooks again with abandon as I learn new techniques while “drawing” on other genres. And I can put it all on the wall or a sketchbook or art journal. How lucky are we to be so weird. Greetings to all from Dallas 🙏🙌✌️
Oh Genie, how wonderful. I love that you're diving into all that you love and that brings joy. That's really wonderful. And "how lucky are we to be so weird" made me laugh. YES! Thank you. ❤️
Good luck with the journey. I am tired of the artist/crafter distinctions. I now think maker. Sometimes I make from someone else's design/pattern. Sometimes I modify the design to make it my own. Then I create based on the skills I have acquired. Thank you for you help in the stitching skills. It has been very inspirational as will your new work.
Thanks so much Diana. ❤️
I have loved the “how to” for lefties and recommend them to others wanting to learn and I’ve so enjoyed all that you do. But creativity evolves and it’s important to follow your heart and see where it leads. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do and pick up any ideas. Thank you for sharing your journey and happy making 😊💕💕
Thanks so much Jayne. Really appreciate it. ❤️
I think the artistic mind is curious and you have to follow your muse! Don't feel pressure, I am interested to follow you, I am constantly changing the media I work in, and find it interesting that you are. I think others that already follow you will probably continue as well! 🥰
Thank you so much Anina. It's funny how we tell ourselves things about what other people will say or do and then that doesn't happen and we're surprised! Yes another great reminder that I really can't read people's minds and need to not try!! ❤️😂❤️
I love the way you share your gifts and your journey and yourself-helpful and welcome-thank you
Thx so much Amy. So nice to read such a kind and encouraging comment! I really appreciate it. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this video. I think it is vital to the growth and sustainability of creativity to listen to your Muse (your spirit) and follow; especially in dabbling and experimenting process. And that paper and textiles mix together so beautifully the possibilities are endless. Nurturing your creativity for yourself is always the best path. Blessings that you explore and create with joyful and reckless abandon!🙏✌🤟💜
Thanks so much Amy. Love "explore and create with joyful and reckless abandon!" Thanks so much for such a lovely comment.
Au contraire, your explorations clearly project your voice! I think art is in everything, it is a way of being and thus it is infused in what and how you are. Your life history reflects a rich art life. And to see the artful in the wire subject of your reference photo shows you engaging with art in every way. Enjoy the trajectory, you have a lifetime of techniques to support your eye!
Thank you so much Vivienne. ❤️
I find the process of growth and change to be so interesting. I'm a quilter...it's what I do, it truly is my passion, but at 68 years old I am being pulled into collage & mark making & slow stitching & fabric painting &.....
I think the joy of art is in continuing to grow, change and find your current voice. I'm enjoying your journey to wherever you end up going.
Thx so much Marei. It sounds like you are a seeker as well. It is wonderful, but also can be a little disconcerting! Enjoy
@@ArianeZurcher212 you know, I had to think about the "disconcerting" bit. I agree it can be confusing as you change and wonder "WHO am I? WHAT do I want to do/be?" But I do hope we all realize change is what it's all about & we can try to embrace the process with the joy of discovery even though we don't know how it'll all end up. I hope you enjoy whatever it is you decide to do, and wherever you end up.
@@mareimontalvo2725 Thx so much Marei. Yes, there's so much joy in following the muse. ❤️
Loved experiment, process, play. Great progression. Also, "I should." Flip that old word to "I could..." Really enjoyed your honesty in your journey. Thanks for sharing and in doing so encouraging.
Thx Diane. I appreciate it. ❤️
I’m enjoying your artistic journey, keep the flow going 😊. Your energy inspires me to break out of my rigidity and look at art in more free-flowing movements. Thank you
Thanks so much Vanessa. Yes, flowing along. Wonderful!
Ariana, I love what you’re doing! I’m finding myself moving back to drawing and painting after a LOT of stitching for a year and a half.
I love your collages and the incorporation of the painted fabric in them. How exciting! Go play and enjoy! I feel that your inspirational pieces were painting that you were adding mark making with threads and now your creating the painting and can’t wait to see where this will take you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, feelings and work with us. It takes a lot of courage! Stay well and enjoy your journey!
Thanks so much Maria. It's wonderful that we can move from one material to another, all the same ideas and inspiration can be applied. I really appreciate your lovely, thoughtful, encouraging comment. ❤️
It's always interesting to hear how another artist thinks and works. I change media periodically and then go back to stitching and feel the other things enrich my stitching.
Sandy
Yes, I agree, it's always interesting and I'm guessing the stitching will get incorporated somehow. Who knows? But that's part of the joy and excitement!
Life is short, do what you love! I love your stitched pieces, I have learned about layers and many things from you! Go, run and do something you love. I once read that if you can find what you loved as a child, do that. With COVID 19, one of the things I loved was riding my bicycle, I have done that and continue to do that. I loved swimming and opened a business around that after being laid off. I love sewing and stitching, and that makes me feel like an artist since I make my own work!
Just do what you love! You will be amazing!
Thx so much Tina. How wonderful that you've rediscovered old loves! That's wonderful and what all of us hope for. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this, Ariane. It’s very uplifting for me, and the word ‘authenticity’ kept coming to mind as I watched. You inspire me on my own journey. May we all enjoy our journeys, wherever they may take us.
Thx so much Helen. I really appreciate it. ❤️
It seems that the beautiful mixed-media textile art show in France has awakened your muse. Go with it. It is about the journey and joy.
It would be very interesting to see you painting fabric.
I'm actually going to spend a week with my friend Pat Pauly and we will be painting fabric for the whole week. I will definitely be documenting it!!
So, so glad this has just popped up. I really appreciate when you share your process. I am new to all of this and find your authenticity and humble sharing so inspiring. And delighted that you have the courage to leave your comfort zone and honour the restlessness to reveal the next step in your journey. Love, love, love the messages throughout this video. Thank you!!!!!
Thank you so much Judi! Really appreciate it. ❤️💕❤️
This is wonderful to watch. I always thought I had a problem that I never stuck with one thing. I’m good at a lot but not an expert at any one thing. Lol. Thank you for sharing. Love love your art! All of it. Have a wonderful day. Glad you are feeling better.
Thx so much Donna. ❤️
Dear Ariane, i am totally OK with everything you express in this courageous and honest video and everything that is part or will be part of your journey as an artist. I consider you in every respect as an artist with a capital A since the first time I discovered you on youtube. It's not the medium or the material that counts, it's how you find your own way of expression through these materials. I really enjoyed seing your paintings because i totally recognize your signature et your process of exploration. Everything in you expresses the great sensitivity underlying artistic expression. No matter where the flow of energies within you will take you in a future, today is the only reality with which you can connect and fully experience who you are. . With all my respect for yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Thx so much Johanne. What a lovely sentiment and comment. I so appreciate it. ❤️
I will join you. 💕 at a much more … eh … rustic level, me too. I have gone from fibre art to paper art and mixed media via junk journaling that is paper, art, collage, mixed media and story. I TOTALLY get planning to do X and then - having the idea and opportunity - do Y. Y for you and I seem to have joy and passion and freedom and play baked in. After all everyone has been through in the last three years, these feelings are amazing. My body viscerally screams for more. Fwiw … I followed you because you broke the Rule of Stitching that I was taught and demonstrated the joy of improvisation. THAT is mixed media and art and fibre and paper and all the other rabbit holes. Anyway … I am on board the train where ever it is going and will be in faffing around having fun car. We do cocktails at five and hash out the day’s progress?. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Haha! Love this and thank you. I think somewhere I had to give myself permission that this was going to be okay, to pursue what I need to pursue... after all it's taken me 50 years to get to the point where I am giving myself permission to explore painting finally and see where I am in it. It's a great feeling. So glad you're in the fun car with me! ❤️
I really enjoyed seeing and hearing about you journey and the process to move forward. I have retired and picked up quilting. I found that I really enjoy layering and stitching the quilt tops. I was so glad to find your site as I an left handed. Joan Peterson
Thx so much Joan ❤️
Love the layering combined with pieces of the past. Sooo neat to think about.
Some of those things floating to the top, some remaining hidden but all combining to create the present.😊
Thx so much Allison. ❤️
Follow your heart ❤️
Thank you Lisa. ❤️❤️❤️
It sounds like you are going my way. I would like to be a hitch hiker on your journey. So please,when you can, post a video. So enjoy your art. Kathleen
Thanks so much Kathleen. We can take this ride together! ❤️
I love your work what you’re doing now and all your Textile work. I don’t think you’ll lose any supporter or friends because I would think everyone enjoys hearing about your process yes I do. You’ve done jewelry before also. You are just super creative and very artistic. Please please keep sharing.
Thanks Dolly. I will. ❤️. I appreciate the encouragement.
Being creative is always a journey off learning and discovery and taking elements from each journey is how we find our voice, style etc, if we stayed in one area we would become stagnant , the same process is in all hobbys/ profession's, enjoy your journey 😀
Thx so much. ❤️
You have been an inspiration to me. You are a wonderful person and I personally, am interested in you. I love seeing what you are doing.
Thx so much Connie. I really, really appreciate it. ❤️
AND...I just watched your t-shirt video and others -I have to take issue with your saying I am not an embroiderer, but I have always loved painting. You are one of the glorious making spirits that exist in the world to inspire others as well. You are a making spirit who is gifted with the art of threadwork and design and color and texture work and your journey is to express that through whatever mediums you choose whenever-and sometimes all of them. I relate so much to your sensibility. You are gifted.
Happy Trails-hmmm-what colors and what medium will you make your tracks in-many!
Aw… thx so much Amy! ❤️
Ariane, I HEAR you! I have moved through my art with a variety of mediums and directions AFTER giving myself permission to do so. I call each new phase a season. What I have realized is that each different season informs the next in some way. What is important to me is that I can play with color, shape, design, and that enjoy it. I no longer try to meet the expectations of others and try to keep the SHOULDS out of my head. This took time. However, I will be 70 in a few months (how did that happen?) and I just ask myself, “If not now, when?” when it comes to moving along to the next adventure in my studio. Sometimes I go back to something I have done before because I have learned something new and different. I enjoy your content very much. Thank you for your honesty. I am sure you are putting a whole lot of artists out there at ease in their own journey.
Thx so much Diane, yes, no matter what age we are and what mediums we use, the same truths apply. If not now, when?! Love that. It is exactly my philosophy. And I too wonder how I got to be my age, especially when I know things now that would have been SO helpful when I was a lot younger!! ❤️
You look great! Excited about your journey in the next chapter of your life!!!
Thx so much Lamona ❤️
First I have to say that you look stunning and at peace. It’s okay to move on and explore other things that bring you inner piece. You will always have your other things that you do,to fall back on so if this is what feeds your soul now then that’s what you should concentrate on..sometimes for me it’s stitching, sometimes it’s quilting, sometimes it embroidery. They all give me something different and that’s okay. For me it’s the stitching that gives me the most inner piece at this time in my life. I can say that I always wished I could paint but my mind is not that free and I need more structure. I’m taking a class in July with sue spargo that doesn’t have a pattern and to tell you the truth it frightens me alittle since my mind is so used to patterns but I tell myself,,it’s okay..it’s okay to expend my horizons and learn different stuff and to think outside my box..I may love it but I I don’t then at least I know in my heart I explored it and that’s okay too…I wish you luck and will still be following you as you travel through your new journey..but before you leave could you teach me the sorbello stitch??? Lol,,just kidding…I’ll figure it out…..😍😍😍😍
Hi Theresa, you'll have fun. Sue is a wonderful instructor and even if you decide you don't like stitching without a pattern, you'll have a great time. The Sorbello stitch? I don't know it!! ❤️😂❤️
Life is short! Do what makes you happy!
Thx so much Linda!
Hi Ariane, watched your video and you do seem happier and you have a buzz about you, excitement in doing what you need to do.
I am no artist, however I really do understand where you are coming from, my love is embroidery and creating slow stitching books, you have inspired me to try new stitches and experiment with textiles. Thankyou 🌹🌹🌹
Having said that you must follow your heart and desires and painting and experimenting with paint, pencils, charcoal, pastels or what ever you must do. I will still follow you because I think you are a wonderful person with many gifts and it's a joy to watch you. I think we should be open to new things even if they may not be our cup of tea, always learning and that is what life should be about.
Take care 🌹🌹🌹
Thank you so much Sue. I am in a kind of in-between stage right now. Unsure of where I'm going, but confident that I'll figure it out. I doubt I'll abandon stitching altogether as I most of my painting ideas involve incorporating both fabric and stitching, so I'll just have to see where all of this takes me! I'm glad you'll be coming along!! ❤️
Ariane, your journey is interesting more than y you realize, I love your willingness to experiment and push the boat out. Your work is still inviting and draws me along, I have a,lot of different mediums from calligraphy, and collage is a great place to join all my new skills. I love fabric, I love making paper, and using watercolour and gouache, threads and weaving... The creative journey often takes many twists andturns, and we venture on round the next corner only to find a forest of new things to take in and use along with all the rest ... Art is a personal journey of discovery and expression. Texture, colour, depth, mixed media all play a part in our journey. Your piece from France is one such expression that I totally love. Thanks to you, as I resettle in my new thing home, my experimentation will follow yours. I want to use natural funds like foliage, feathers, stones, twigs, branches, twine I make myself if I can master it. Ink, flowers, paper, tyvek, ... The list goes on... In fact it's a never ending journey with no end in sight til we are happy with what ever we create... The process is the joyous journey. It's great to have the internet again and my own space to compile my stashes of interesting elements. Thank you for sharing your journey so we can join in if we want to. ... I do, but will still watch your embroidery videos cos that's a journey I started when mum was alive as I sat with her. ... I don't have carpet in my new home, just bare boards, so if I spill anything it will just add color to the room!
Thx so much Vanessa. I really appreciate it. I'm so glad you're exploring all the different ways in which you can create. Sounds wonderful. ❤️
Truthful videos are the best!!❤ love this video!
Aw… thank you. I really appreciate it
Dearest Ariane, (sorry for long post)
I am so joining you on this process and completely support you with your journey into process and following your hearts desire.
I have to say a lot of your story resonates with me.
I started my early years in the pursuit of the creativity of music.
Jazz improvisation - the spaces between the notes, how to bend and shape and be creative with vocals and my own compositions,
Playing with sound-scapes and using the voice to create additional sounds and melodies.
Always the discussion was about creativity, whats New York doing (Australia seemed so far away when studying jazz)
Alongside that I was working in book binding, and studying in different forms of art. Lithography, printmaking, drawing etc.
When I had my children I lost my creative urges as the joy of creating with young children was almost as equally satisfying. For a time.
Through their teenage years I found I grew dissatisfied and made attempts to convert my garage to a studio and began to explore painting and clay works.
It wasn't until I had down sized, and the children left home that I could begin again.
I began my channel with book binding, and junk journals - all the time feeling like I couldn't connect with craft as a 'proper' art form.
Born out of a long covid lockdown, I was able to explore and put past knowledge out there.
And then along the way I started to do projects via other peoples channels, Rachel from @RoxysCreations Anne from @Hannemadebyanne and all of a sudden I was feeling like I was building a community, making friends in the stitch community, and of course I was enjoying your channel (as a left hander).
To be honest, you constantly throw me back to my own early life when the pursuit of the creative process far outweighed any-ones thoughts on the matter.
I too have realised I am sitting on my laurels, doing content for others in-authentically.
So this past 2 months, I have put the camera down and stopped sharing a lot of my creative explorations, I have found it has freed me up to explore without the watchful eye, or the need to get it right.
So that was a long story, but I just wanted to say, I hear you and I see you on this.
I look forward to seeing the journey of your work and the growth of your understanding with the textures of paint and fabric.
Thx so much Christina, I really appreciate it. Putting down the expectations to produce "work" is such a good thing to do. I'm playing right now and the urge to "get it right" is so strong, I have to remind myself that I'm just PLAYING! Nothing need come of any of it. It's the process of playing, exploration and learning and nothing else that I'm after. ❤️
@@ArianeZurcher212 absolutely. ❤️❤️❤️
Interesting…I’ve been feeling somewhat‘guilty’ because the stitching seems to be taking me away from my paint and collage and assemblage practice. Thanks for sharing. I realize now that the reassurance you deserve is exactly what I needed!
Oh that makes me happy to hear. Guilt free creating is what we all need!!
Thank you so much Ariane but please don't feel you have to please us. Go with what makes you happy. I felt that your time in France would open new doors and inspire you and nourish your soul. I've enjoyed your journey in life since you began sharing it and I'm so grateful for inspiring me in turn to push my own boundaries and discover new ways with stitch. I still can't draw or paint for toffee but now have paints in my stash to attempt some freestyle collage with all those lovely bits and pieces accumulated since I watched you find new ways to use them. I wasn't inspired by mixed media work until you opened my eyes. I haven't posted photos much as my work is still more traditional and so unlike what others are enjoying creating through your classes. Plus I've had to knit for prems, make gifts for our Jubilee stall and had so little time to explore new pieces I wanted to try this year so far. Even on holiday last week our s/c cottage stank of the log burner so my stitching projects stayed in their bags! Clothes I'm washing but not embroideries! I had withdrawal all week!! Just now catching up with you. Let us know how your new direction progresses please when you have time. You're an inspirational woman I'm pleased to have followed so far.
Thanks so much Jean. I hope you're able to get back to doing what you love. THat's always such a great feeling. ❤️
Honesty is the best policy. Just a thought about your journey - since you already like the stitched piece (those colors, placement of stitches and fabric), maybe you might consider using that piece like a photograph and try to recreate it with paper, paint, pastels and fabric; using similar colors but not necessarily the same size. You have several stitched wall pieces that would translate very well into painted collage. It might help you build your confidence but for sure will help you build your skills on decisions and interpretations. Good luck
Thx Linda. What an interesting idea. ❤️
Love your journey
Thx so much Judy. ❤️
Love every thing you do I love do both
Thx so much Wanda! ❤️
Life is short. Collage the paper. Stitch the fabric. Paint the canvas.
Haha! Thx Diane.
Transition is hard work.
Haha! Yes it can be and also can be a bit stressful, but so worthwhile to keep going!!
Enjoy your adventure, it's a pity you really no longer liked the embroidery, maybe you will return to it . All the best and thankyou
Hi Denny, I think you might have misunderstood. I love stitching, but I'm not an "embroiderer" it's really more about the art and the stitching can then enhance whatever it is, rather than it being about the stitching first. Most of my ideas regarding painting at the moment involve some sort of stitching as well. I just have to learn the painting part so that I can start creating the things I'm thinking about!
@@ArianeZurcher212 awesome i did misunderstand, your very talented in many facets of textiles ,you certainly inhanced my skills 👌 xx
Good luck on your exciting new path, but I will admit, I will miss your improvisational stitching. To me it is being an artist, just as much as being a painter is an artist.
Oh I have no intention of stopping the improv stitching, just will be applying it to other mediums!
I wonder if creating content has affected your passion for fibers. As long as we're being honest, I follow you and a few other textile folks, and they've all moved to having multiple platforms, Patreon, Kofi, blog, TH-cam, etc., and I subscribe donate to all of them, and I've gotten pretty burnt out trying to keep up with posts on multiple platforms, etc. So now I hardly ever watch any of them (including you), just because it's so much more trouble to pull up all these different platforms, and post photos and comments on different platforms. When everyone was only on TH-cam it was easy. I have lots of interest in creating, some interest in sharing, but zero interest in logging in to all these different things, listening to short audio clips, etc. I'm really perplexed that the content creators are spending the time to do this, instead of devoting themselves to just creating. Follow your passion, Ariane!
I don't know that it's affected my passion as much as I was gifted a studio and saw the opportunity to paint! But I hear you about all the different platforms. It gets very confusing! ❤️
@@ArianeZurcher212 And time consuming for you. But thanks for doing all that you do. I've really enjoyed watching you and your stitching creations.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎆🎇🎆🎇👍👍👍🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺
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Nice video. Regarding your smaller pieces on the wall…what is the base you are using..painting/collaging on fabric or paper? What kind or weight? Also, what paint are you experimenting with?
Hi there, so I'm using mixed media paper, it's a 140lb wt. (I think) and also playing around with mixed media boards that I am getting at Blick. The paint is acrylic and then I'm using lots of other materials, graphite, charcoal, oil pastels an playing around with applications, using just a palate knife, of different brushes that I've collected over the years, sponges, paper towels, rice paper, etc.