Have you noticed a theme in my blog posts recently? Connection. Well, here’s another connection to add to the list. I met Kim Soper who blogs at Leland Ave Studios through the 2015 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop (the link takes you to Kim’s introduction post for the blog hop).
Kim created the stunning Lincoln quilt, which won first place in the improvisation category at 2017 QuiltCon AND the Viewer’s Choice Award, using an improv with intent method. The Lincoln quilt is worth more than just a look if you haven’t seen it.
When Kim was interviewed by Michelle Bartholomew in the Half-Squared Headlines newsletter in December, Kim mentioned she was excited to be kicking off a year long Creativity Project in the interview. She invited everyone to fill out The Creativity Project Survey, and I eagerly filled out the form. So I was thrilled when I wrote to Kim telling her how excited I was about the project and she asked to formally interview me for inclusion in her series. Yesterday, Kim published my interview as Week #5 in The Creativity Project.
In the interview, Kim invited me to describe the creative environment as a child, and in responding to her question, I realized how deeply I used to feel that I was not a creative person. Now, I celebrate my own creativity and fully believe that we are ALL creative. The reflection on her question certainly has opened up some thoughts and avenues for reflection. I also discuss the artists that I admire (a very non-industry answer!), the connection between craft and compassion, rituals, and my (very important) support system (spoiler: you are all part of that support).
I would be very remiss if I did not also invite you to pause and take the time to read the previous interviews that Kim has published. This series is powerful and I appreciate the depth to which everyone is willing to share about themselves. Thank you so much, Kim, for inviting us all to consider these questions. I look forward to the conversations these questions generate.
I had missed this, but it looks really interesting. I’m off to read your interview, then all the others – thanks for the link!
Yvonne, your interview is deeply insightful and moving. I admire and respect the way you transitioned from one form of engineering to another in order to focus on your whole-being health. I have loved your Beacon quilt from the moment I saw it. After reading your interview today, and having followed your blog for a long time, I see that you’ve negotiated an extremely painful crisis and through that process become a beacon of inspiration and encouragement to thousands. Your quilts are fantastic, and the way you use your success to welcome and include others is wonderful. Thank you!
A thoughtful and insightful interview. I for one appreciated your kindness when I was a part of the New Quilt bloggers. You are an inspiration and I admire your creativity.
Great interview. I appreciate your thoughtful response to each question. I just loved your answer to the last question . Every quilt featured in the post is one of my favorites.
Very cool. I’ve been enjoying the series and was glad to see you featured this week!
Thank you for sharing such eloquent feelings about quilting, creativity, the support system you have developed, the mindful way in which you approach this art. You are an inspiration to me always. I admire your willingness to be so open about your life.
Thank you for sharing this, and for your insight. As always, you are inspirational. I have some reading to catch up on!
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the questions so honestly and thoughtfully! I am so happy that you were a part of the project, and I’m also really glad that you found some personal benefit in participating!
I read your interview the other day, along with all the others. It’s really interesting to see how everyone’s answers can be so different yet follow a similar line (if that makes any sense). They all tend to lead to the same destination but everyone’s path is unique.
Wonderful interview, I really am enjoying the entire series. Thank you for sharing about yourself and your creative process.