Last fall I studied in Liverpool for the semester at Hope University. I was enrolled in two design classes, one with a focus in textiles and one covering a range of mediums. My instructors strongly focused on the process of creation; inspiration, brain storming, experimenting, etc. In fact, an end product was hardly required  at all, as long as I could prove that I was, put simply, thinking. This mentality contrasted dramatically against the expectations of my home university; where I was graded on the quality of my end product and often pushed to speed through the design process in order to finish my art efficiently and in a timely manner.

While abroad, I was constantly, constantly,  reminded to slow down. To take my time. To enjoy the process. Such a simple concept was (and still is) mind-blowingly hard to  grasp.

The first weeks of school, our assignments varied from visiting museums to beaches  to art exhibits to design firms to ancient cathedrals. Packed with sketch books and cameras, we were to draw inspiration from our surroundings; we even had a private session at the Walker Art Gallery to observe artifacts. The entire semester we were to keep a visual journal, noting not only our inspiration, but also the journey expanding from the inspiration.

This was, very much so, a process. Yet within a 24 hour time period,  I had my final project mapped out and  ready for production.

Game time, right? Wrong.

I was specifically told to slow down. Over and over again, I was told to slow down."You're missing this really interesting part, right in the middle." The part my professor was referring to was the actual creative process. The part where I just wander around. I couldn't help but feel like this aimless experimenting was a waste of time. I mean, I had only a matter of weeks to turn in an awesome project to get me an A in the class...ah, the internal struggle. The tendency to cut corners of my own art work to get the grades I wanted. My professor continued to push me to experiment, so I did.

Screen printing, patch work, heat pressing, sketching, mood boards, photographs, embroidery, light tables. My project transformed time and time again, from a quilt representing death to a tapestry of alternative fashion illustration.

Finally, it dawned on me that wandering was the point. This was the fun part; the fascinating exploration of both the external world and the mind. The freedom to move and create without expectation. I hate to be philosophical via blog post, but perhaps this is all just a huge metaphor....  

Regardless, I dig it. I definitely dig it.

 Above are my current projects and their adventures. :)