Copyright 2016 by R.A. Robbins
Artists have different ways of approaching their work. Some focus on the basic elements of art, line, shape and form, space, color and texture. Others choose to concentrate on creating works they think will have the best chance to sell. Still others are guided by inspiration, to create a thing of beauty or to express emotion, tell a story, speak their truth or support a cause. I tend to fall in that last group.
So it is only natural for me to turn to art in times of stress and distress. Over the course of the past year I have watched helplessly as the very fabric of our country and lives has started to unravel. Just before the election the idea of an unraveled art quilt came to me. There may be a series here because three different concepts came to me. I pray as I work on all my art quilts, but this one was especially infused with prayer.
There is still an element of hope in this work because not all has started to unravel yet. Some pieces are still tightly stitches together, some are being held together with embroidery stitches. The spider web is my way of showing respect to the beautiful crazy quilts created by women of the Victorian Era, which always included a spider web. Traditional quilts are finished with a fabric binding around the edges. This art piece will not have a binding at all. I think it is finished the way it is.
I like playing with the word “crazy” in art quilts. An earlier work that is also coming apart is called The World’s Gone Crazy, but I’m Okay. In this work the world is going crazy, but I am safe and sound in the center, surrounded by the White Light of God and the Prayer for Protection.
What do you do when life unravels? Talk to me.
espirational.com 
When life unravels .. or feels that way, I sit down, close my eyes, and and call out from my heart, for God. Almost like making a phone call – but not.
I simply chat with Him. I tell Him what’s troubling me.
It feels like sitting in a big armchair and as if I’m visiting Him.
Kind of as if sitting down for an afternoon tea, in His study.
I never hear Him actually speak, but He nods as I’m explaining why I called and why I needed to chat with Him, and He smiles, like one would smile when hearing a much loved childs troubles. Smiling with love and encouragement.
Once I’ve sat with Him for a while and unburdened myself, I feel lighter. Brighter. Things aren’t so miserable and my heart is no longer heavy. And … I feel like I have been given whatever it is which I need to tackle those problems which life has put before me.
I love Him for many, many reasons, and loving & caring for and about me when I need to feel His loving care, is just one amongst millions of reasons.
A beautiful, thought provoking post. I love it Genie.
Thank you so much for these incredible ‘moments’ – which all your posts have. ~ Cobs. x ❤
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Wonderful! Thank Cobs.
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Lovely symbolism quilts are essentially American and the unravelling is just how we perceive things here in the U.K. 🇬🇧 sending blessings and wisdom for your statesmen x
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Thank you.
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I write, I sing, I color, I sew, I weave
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Cool!
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My first interest in art came at a rough time in my life and I still use art to help calm and relax me. There is something very euphoric about art.
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Thank you! I can so relate. Since I work in fabric my work is often small enough that I can put everything in tote bag and go. I have spent a lot of time stitching in waiting rooms.
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I participate in a knitting group at my local senior center. We meet every Wednesday morning after the 2-mile walking fitness class. One woman said, “There is one thing for certain that we all have in common. Anyone who has lived as long as we have, has gone through some things.” We all unravel at times. It is in our DNA. Unraveling is a core attribute we all experience. Likewise, in my artist life in the studio, unraveling is an essential part of what I do all the time. And, in the unraveling, something new emerges as we persevere and follow through with our intentions.
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I like the knitting reference. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
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That is an interesting view of unraveling from a knitters perspective. Thank you!
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I slow things way down now and use cbt-cognitive behavioral therapy to control my situations and get grounded
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Grounding is very important. Thank you your the comment Rob. Hope things are going well for you.
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You are welcome and yes things are going along swimmingly lol
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