Thursday, February 27, 2014

I don't know



I like things to be black and white. There is comfort in certainty. And what could be more black and white than “No” and “Yes”? Apparently a lot, because when I contemplated the role of “no” in my life, I realized it was very gray.

In my experience, “no” can mean: no, yes or maybe. I interpret these as stop, go or wait depending on the circumstances. No: one word, two letters, three meanings. Clear as mud.

“Other Worldly” came together from a variety of concepts:

  • The disparate, fractured elements that influence how I react (stop, go, wait)
  • The circular nature of yes-no-maybe and how my choices circle back and affect my life
  • The illusion of certainty

 
I titled my piece “Other Worldly” because the process of interpreting “no” in my life is so…unpredictable and uncontainable, it’s almost alien. At least to this black and white girl.

Through this challenge I discovered another homonym. If I’m ever again asked to consider the impact of “no” in my life, I’ll just respond “I don’t know”.

8 comments:

  1. Great quilt love the colours and composition. Thought provoking views on 'no' too. Love it all!

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    1. Thank you so much! This was a very intuitive piece, I discovered each step as I completed the previous one. Not my normal working style but I am so glad you like the result and I appreciate your comments.

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  2. The quilt is wonderful, L-M. I love the juxtapositions of all the circles, great composition. And I'll have to remember your interpretation of NO next time I hear it from you!

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    1. Thank you Andrea! I actually started with a kaleidoscope shape and began experimenting with cuts and rotations. I wanted to create an optical illusion. That's not what I achieved but I still love the process. Wish you were here to play!

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  3. I love it! It is wonderfully appealing!

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  4. Interesting piece, Lisa-Marie! I read the inner circle as a rearview mirror, particularly in the detail - - the silhouette of palm trees - - I like the elements. I think no is a lot more ambiguous than any of us thought. Great challenge!

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  5. Funny, I also thought rear-view mirror. Looking back on a colorful past.

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  6. I love your quilt, especially the arrangement and design of the 3 circles!

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