Behind the Scenes: An Artist At Play

[@peggysueway3889]

We are doing the best we can. That lifts me up. A life without regrets is not possible.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Yes, it's so true, isn't it? ❤️

[@anitajansen5610]

Ariane beautiful work, beautiful Loki🤗 I love the one on burlap ❤. Working with the gelli plate is fun👍🧡💐

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx Anita. ❤️💕❤️

[@rozdragun3015]

You are such a breath of fresh air.....thank you

[@ArianeZurcher212]

That is such a lovely thing to say. Thank you for that. ❤️

[@DianeLoDico]

Ariane, Your words resonated with me today. I just finished a project that took a kabillion hours. After the initial feeling of satisfaction of completion, my mind went right to “Is it good enough?, and yes, it is good enough for right now. I’ve decided it’s good enough for next week as well. I find that if i put the work away out of sight for a few days, I am happier with it than before. It’s not perfect, nor will it ever be. I’m working on being just fine with that. I sometimes wonder if that “good enough” syndrome is a generational thing. I’m 72 and seldom hear young people question themselves or their work. Thank you for the video! Be well.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Oh Diane, I'm so glad you were able to see it as good enough. That makes me happy to hear. I don't know if it's generational, but I do know we aren't alone in having these thoughts! ❤️💕❤️

[@mareimontalvo2725]

I'm generally very accepting of my work, but every now and then I find the "it could be better" voice drowning out my joy. It's hard to truly believe in yourself....not just give lip service to the idea. I really like your weaving with/through the chicken wire! What a cool idea.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much for reaching out Marie. The weaving idea is one I'm going to come back to. It's not there yet!

[@lisazilaro6906]

Love your studio, it looks a lot like my sewing room. ( it’s what it is ) your work is amazing and beautiful

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@lisazilaro6906 thx so much Lisa! ❤️

[@janetschayer7998]

My studio is chaotic as well. I appreciated your thoughts about what we create "could be better". I guess it could be "better" but the joy of creating something is the "icing on the cake" or the cookies (which were beautiful) and that makes it really great. I love surrounding myself with objects that I've made and I love giving gifts that I've made...and I think that has to mean something in the great scheme of things. Thanks for sharing your creative life.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Absolutely! The act of creating is the main event, everything that follows is the icing!

[@cacaualbert]

Thank you for the message❤

[@ArianeZurcher212]

I'm glad it resonated! ❤️💕❤️

[@redparrot9489]

I read a quote recently that said - paraphrasing - we are often critical of our own work because it looks like we made it. This idea has followed me around for weeks now. Basically… it’s not a result issue, it’s a self- view issue. There was another quote (not related) that said just focus on the pleasure of the process. Whatever happens as a result is not so important. If the time spent is full of pleasure, who really cares what the result is. Also - it might be that when we look at the work, we are reminded of the pleasure of making it. Always love your videos. I have learned sooooo much from you I can’t begin to thank you for all of it. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thank you so much. Such a wonderful reminder to really treasure ourselves, so that when we create, we can truly revel in those as well. ❤️💕❤️

[@lindahunt5634]

I appreciate your authenticity. I liked the fringed burlap.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much Linda. Yeah, I like it too... I think. I'll know for sure once the glue has dried and I can hang it and step back from it. But I think it works... 🤷‍♀️

[@Elizabeth-uz1mn]

What AMAZING holiday cookies!!!!!!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Haha! Thank you Elizabeth. They're gifts to my family. ❤️

[@Elizabeth-uz1mn]

Lucky family❤️

[@char3474]

I love the frayed edges of that piece! Every year usually around this time, i buy a long length of linen and cotton mixed type t-towel fabric. For gifts mostly i cut them nice and big, and instead of hemming them i zigzag a nice tight row of stitching about half an inch or a bit more, from the cut edges. In matching thread. So the fray will have a beginning and an end. The fun part is quietly using a dental pick to fray the edges. This is what i love about playing with fabric. As i sit over the pile of threads i pull from the t-towels, soon my little brain takes note that here i have yet another interesting material to play with…what could these threads become? The rabbit holes are calming, harmless and the possibilities are endless. I call making these t-towels my warm up exercise! I love your studio of many nooks, and your method of working on many pieces at once. Your kind soul. Your gentle reminder to embrace good enough. What i am working on, is just allowing myself to be an artist. Not sure why that is the hardest part. Anyways, thank you for this lovely channel that i stumbled upon.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much Char. I love how you purchase t-towel fabric and fray the edges. I, too, save the threads from the frayed edges. I have a little pile of them and often will use them to stitch with on other things. "Allowing myself to be an artist" - oh boy - I so get this. It took years, decades for me to own that word "artist" and even now I think sometimes - is that pompous of me to claim this? But now when that thought comes into my head I reject it immediately. ❤️

[@char3474]

@@ArianeZurcher212 Thank you for your encouraging reply. We must throw our shoulders back and believe in ourselves. So, i have been thinking for quite awhile, about what my next thing to do should be. Maybe what was missing was ceremony? In my past life, sewing practical things like clothes and quilts…anything we needed…that was my main creative outlet. It seems appropriate now, to sew something symbolic for my new life. I will probably continue to sew till i can’t. But i also used to paint and draw and also did fun stuff like playing around with sewing on paper or drawing with my sewing machine on fabric. And fabric painting. You get the drift. But then, life got in the way. My kids came first, they needed me, i don’t regret setting things aside for them. And in my sixties now, i no longer do the work on our farm, that took up my days, for decades. So why is it so hard to move forward? Perhaps the lack of celebration that would have acknowledged my former life and welcomed my new life? And the fact that my old life is still a big part of me. So, back to something symbolic. Yesterday as i thought about things, and why i was so stuck, i suddenly got a bee in my bonnet to make myself a pair of traditional artist’s overalls. Complete with sturdy railway striped fabric, brass buckles, buttons on the side, five big pockets with bar tacks. Talk about overkill. Lol. Something to smear with paint? They will probably be as handy as a gold watch that isn’t waterproof, an executive might receive upon retirement. But they are calling out to me. Maybe symbolic things are supposed to be impractical. I think the process of making them as best as i can, even if it takes a few days on and off, will be cathartic. I will have time to think about so many things as i create them. Yesterday I traced out the overall pattern i had bought years ago. And digging through my stash, there at the bottom was a chunk of fabric that was, with a bit of juggling, just enough and perfect. Is the world trying to tell me something? There is a word for that. Well, it is officially cut out, the interfacing is applied. The old Bernina is set with heavy thread for topstitching and the newer Bernina is set with regular thread. The serger has navy in it…everything is ready to go. My first step towards embracing the inner artist in me? Kind of announcing i am back? Honouring my sewing roots that kept me sane all these years? I dunno, but It feels right. The sewer that i am is recognizing the artist inside me that has been patiently waiting for a chance to blossom too. Wish us luck!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@char3474 This is such a wonderful comment and I am SO thrilled that you shared all of this with me. Thank you for that. It all sounds great and very exciting!! Go YOU go!!

[@char3474]

Just a quick note Ariane. My Artist’s Overalls turned out just as i imagined! Because I took my sweet time, measuring carefully, stopping for little breaks, digging in my stash for the metal buckles and buttons i knew were there somewhere. I tried them on this afternoon…and they fit perfect. I am thrilled. Now just one more step. A simple easy apron with pockets…the overalls are too nice to completely smear with paint, just yet anyways. Lol. Minus 33 Celcius here tonight. Tomorrow i will probably make a big mess, and tackle that sunflower painting that has been calling out to me. Watching you stitch so methodically and patiently has been inspiring. I feel as though i have been under the gun to get things done my whole life. But there is no rush with art is there, why hurry fun? Reminder…slow down Char. One foot in front in the other. Who knows, those sunflowers may decide they need collage? No shortage of fabric tidbits and strange bundles of threads. Lol. Hmmm…I will see where it takes me. Regardless, a perfect project for a bitter cold winter day. I had lots of time to think while i sewed. I realized my creative journey had never really stopped, the train was always chugging along. A lot of looking out the window and seeing beauty everywhere. But now it is time to paint again. Just listened to your latest video tonight. So calming. Thanks for your words of wisdom!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

@@char3474love this!!!

[@sharonneth4231]

Words from a wise sage to live by, thank you! I am in the process of destashing things to get down to one focused art form.... painting. That word is very broadly defined. In the past, I had so many tools that it has become overwhelming. I have packed up seven boxes already and they are gone. I am planning to pack up more it just takes time. Thanks again!🙏

[@ArianeZurcher212]

That sounds like a good idea! I did that during covid with all the quilting stuff. I knew I was never going to use all those fat quarters and so much other stuff I'd gathered over the years. It was nice to donate it to people who would! ❤️

[@juliegolub2602]

Your message was so needed about forgiveness.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much Julie. ❤️💕❤️

[@kindcreative1]

Thank you for sharing your art-filled world and your wisdom 💞

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thx so much. ❤️

[@diannejones4267]

Ariane, your work is awesome, you are so inspiring and your videos truly soothe me. Thank you from UK!

[@ArianeZurcher212]

You are so welcome! I’m so glad. ❤️💕❤️

[@marthamanigross]

The cookies! Stunning works of art! Wow!!! Thank you for taking us on the craft room tour as well as Chelsea. Love what you are working on, and loved the fiber arts in the show. As soon as I saw your artwork on that frame, I thought - use twine and stitch it around the frame! But that’s how minds work. Different paths - all good. Love the use of the frame for it! Have you tried acrylic paint mixed with GAC 900 (Golden product)? It thins the pant and also makes it washable. It might be an alternative for the gell plate work and provide more colors for you. Thanks for sharing. I can hardly wait to get back to stitching! A few months I think but I’m so ready. 😊

[@ArianeZurcher212]

I am not familiar with GAC 900! But have made a note. Thank you so much Martha. You are always such a great source of good information!! Heal! Heal! Heal! ❤️💕❤️

[@marthamanigross]

@ you’re welcome! Glad I can add a little to your arsenal for creating even more gorgeous stuff. I’m healing as quickly as possible. Thursday the big splint comes off, the small splint goes on for 6 weeks, along with exercises and strengthening. Hoping for three months till I can do a little stitching each day, could be a full year to normal, but pain free. Meanwhile, trying to improve my drawing (my weak point) and playing with markers, paints and color. Stitching is my zen though!

[@juliegolub2602]

When you were talking about chicken wire, my mind wondered to how we used it to hold a person's chest together after open heart surgery. How many lives were saved with this beautiful chicken wire.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Is that true?! I had no idea. Love that. ❤️

[@coloradoblueskies-cj]

Wow what a present those cookies would make❤❤❤ My organized chaos has gone to utter chaos😮 I have just created a check list to try and get my craft world back to organized chaos lol😂

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Haha! I know the feeling. This is "organized" chaos only because I can still find things, when that stops, it will have devolved into complete and utter chaos! And yes those cookies are for my siblings and family. ❤

[@paolina908]

I look forward to your videos and your beautiful works of art. We’ll never meet, but please know that I appreciate you! 13:32 Happy holidays.

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thank you so much Paolina. Happy Holidays to you!

[@judymarkel8029]

Love your studio. I try to love myself and cut me some slack. Hugs

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thanks so much Judy. Always a good idea! ❤️

[@alicemoline698]

OH...........BTW............your cookies were gobsmackingly gorgeous as usual. No good, better or best........but gobsmacking. How's that for comparision!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Haha! Thank you so much Alice. My kids asked me - "are you making xmas cookies this year???" And my response was - "I wasn't planning on it." and then a few days later I'm in the kitchen making xmas cookies even though it took me away from my art for several days, it was fun and I'm glad I did it. Also, great gifts for my many siblings and family! ❤️

[@alicemoline698]

Thanks for the tour of your Studio. It is much larger than I thought............at least twice the size of mine, which is why I can only work on one piece at a time. When you put the piece of chicken wire up to the black and white piece, my first reaction was that it was too cream and not white enough..........and then you mentioned that possibility also. So on that we agree. I do like the mounting process of your recent piece and the frayed "burlap". Regarding the discussion of "better".........well, I looked up the English comparative of the classic..........good, better and best. This is what is says.......The process of "good, better, best" is called the degrees of comparison in English grammar, where "good" is the positive degree, "better" is the comparative degree, and "best" is the superlative degree. YIKES............what are we doing to ourselves????? Comparison is a JOY robber. If we compare our work on a scale of good to best..........we are actually robbing ourselves of the JOY of creating. And that's just comparing ourselves with this definition and not even adding to this comparison, the work of others!!!!!!!!! which further complicates this whole mess. You know Ariane, I used to really look forward to your videos, and now I find that my interest has INCREASED beyond looking forward to them.............because of these "NEW" last few minutes...........the introspective advice, counsel, caring, and encouragement. KUDOS to you. Looking forward to the next video for both informative creative art as well as the self-love "love" advice. Blessings

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Alice ❤️ Sending you hugs and thanks for such a thoughtful, kind and just all around lovely message. Thank you. I look forward to your comments!! ❤️💕❤️

[@susanharris7725]

Good morning, There once was a song I heard and some of the lyrics went “ I’m going to cut myself a big piece of slack cake” I have always thought about that song when I have stressed myself out about something. I am drawn to your videos, your color choices are very similar to mine and I covet your thread collection. I have just started working with fiber after 20 years of drawing and painting as my main medium so my collection of thread is small. I do want to create something with detentions, I don’t know yet. That fabric on the back of the chair looks interesting, I hope you video your adventure with it. Do you still have a Facebook group? I am rambling now so to you all, have a wonderful holiday season. Your friend, Susan Ps Your work is stunning

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Thank you Susan for sharing a little about your own process. Always fascinating to hear and I appreciate your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying my videos! ❤️

[@maricarmenillanm7170]

Cuando determinas es el momento de concluir, aparto mi trabajo, ya está concluido y me encariño, sobre todo cuando es para regalar, ya que me desprendo, decido ese perdón del que reflexionas, la otra persona recibirá ese cariño y valorará mi creación, mi amor para ti en la distancia, esas galletas se ven deliciosas!!, y el gatito una belleza...

[@ArianeZurcher212]

Muchas gracias. Dejar de lado siempre es una buena idea cuando no estoy segura de los pasos a seguir. Me encanta. ¡Felices fiestas!

[@maricarmenillanm7170]

@ ¡Felices fiestas! ⭐️