In the corporate world, we were taught to specialize, to focus on one particular area and learn to do it well. And life coaches tell us not to cast our interest net too widely.
But with creative pursuits I admit it, I like ALL the arts and crafts, and I really feel its a great thing. I’m a shameless multi-crafter, a proud multi-passionate artist, or whatever else we are now calling it. And although YES it could use a bit more organization, I keep a treasure trove of art and craft supplies.
I've been better over the past decade at making a few pursuits (the broad category ‘textile arts’) my cornerstone. And while I specialize in hand stitching and block printing on fabric, I love learning and trying new techniques, even some that have nothing to do with textiles.
Visiting a museum or perusing a magazine can spark these 'off-topic' projects. The summer before last, a trip to the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe inspired me to try my version of Wycinanki or Polish Paper Cutting. I ended up creating some layered, graphic poppy designs that I adore.
The other benefit of working with new media and tools is opening up new pathways of thought and design. Taking a break to try a new art can be relaxing and meditative. And now layered paper cuts are in my quiver of techniques to create surface patterns or needlepoint designs. It's all good.
Are you a multi-passionate artist? Do you work in numerous creative media? Do you focus on one or a few areas, or do you just love trying ‘all the things’ and why?
