January's bead project

So I sat down and created a picture of what I thought this month's project might look like. It originated from the fact that I was laid off a few months ago and am still looking for work. It was about possibilities - which direction do I go now?

Then I sat down with the different backing pieces and selected the piece I wanted. It was a very small circle/square piece in alternating black and white which to my mind is very chaotic and confusing. I was going to create the box from fabric and applique it onto the material but I found myself making a big black smudge in the centre with a black felt marker (a very odoriferous black felt marker!). Then I thought about where I wanted the path for each opportunity to go. Well, didn't that change as well! Instead of being straight lines to the opportunity, they meandered, disappeared and reappeared. Because I thought I might have to take some over the edge, I decided I would have to bead the edge first and then work on the front.

The end result is that I have beads front and back!

For me this piece is about possiblities rising out of dejection and confusion. I just have to rise above the dejection and confusion in order to see them.  The other thing I've realized is that I don't always know the path that will lead to my goals. I might think I know part of it but the rest of it is hidden from view.  It's only when I've completed part of my journey that I'll be able to see the rest of the path.

In some instances the original direction doesn't even point towards the final goal. It's a lot like life. I may think that what I want to achieve is accomplished by heading in a certain direction when really there's going to be a change somewhere down the road. There's also going to be opportunities to change the goal at a crossroads.

I wasn't surprised that the finished result didn't fully match the original idea - that usually happens to me. I was surprised at how quickly I completed it. Mind you, I was compelled to complete it in one sitting and stayed up late to do it!!!





Comments

Oh boy do I know where you are coming from! I like so many others was laid off and didn't know where to turn. Love the block and how it expresses what you are feeling so well!

side note: my word verification to post this is 'uprootab' (oooh! It's like they know!)
Linda Kittmer said…
I can relate to the feeling of not knowing which direction you're going in and where you might finally end up. You've really been true to the journal part of the BJP. Well done.
Sara said…
Interesting piece! I like the idea of possibilities but my anal-retentive, obsessive, controlling personality doesn't want to have to choose! lol
Anonymous said…
What a unique piece! Love the color combines! All the lines come from the soul. Which path to take, we don't always have to know!
Beth Handley said…
I love the colorway and really appreciate seeing the sketch along with the finished work. I love the fabric, too!
Lynn said…
And that my friend is why I affectionately call the Bead Journal Project the Bead JOURNEY project. You never know where its going to take you! Just enjoy the ride......
Marty S said…
A great journal piece! I appreciate your willingness to share its meaning with all of use. I like the contrast of the black and white background with the colorful beads.
Marty S
Crackpot Beader
Magpie Sue said…
I think all of us creative folks have similar experiences. I found it so easy to relate to and understand what you've done in this piece!

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