Knit One, Purl One

I have a memory of my grandmother teaching me to knit and having mastered the basics I recall getting frustrated at how I wasn't making any progress. I wasn't attempting to knit a cardigan exactly, just a simple ream of knitted wool, which as we all know will eventually make you a nice Winter scarf. I think of this particular memory often, especially when being creative, because my frustration at the time stemmed from not seeing the results of so much time spent on the knitted craft. I whinged and whined at granny that all the motions were not a scarf creating and she held up the trail of work I had produced and told me: "See, look at what you've done." She was right, I had made a lengthy piece of scarf already and I hadn't even noticed.

Coupled with crippling impatience, I have always had this sense of needing to have a substantial amount to show for my artistic efforts, and convince myself I have nothing.

I recently watched a documentary on The Beatles, who bashed out their first 2 albums in less than a year, prolific songwriters McCartney and Lennon having already composited enough material to see them through to the disbandment. The following year they released their 3rd album, and their success was by this point rampant and had been achieve within such a short period of time.

I am making artwork constantly right now, the digital aspect of it allowing for multiple pieces within a day, but even with the painting/raw materials I am collating a nice collection of pieces. Though, perhaps due to the late revelation of having the knack for it, I am scurrying to get it done, to build that portfolio and display it, as if it has always been there, but I hadn't realised it. Again, impatience plays a dominant role, as I am convinced that if I don't get it done quickly, it won't go from brain to paper/canvas/iPad. Remember how your parents would always tell you “Don’t worry, it will still be there when we arrive!” when you’d rush and panic to get your shoes on to go to the park? Regardless, I am definitely seeing the benefits of lists these days!

The funny thing is, much like the scarf scenario, I also can't seem to grasp the wealth of work I have made to date since I started it up again. I am busy, even though that is mostly due to my own requests (or gifted works I am just certain the people I know want to receive - ahem!), yet my mind is clouded more by the shopping list of work I want to make, than that of which I have already made. Sigh!

*Note: I did not knit the scarf in this photo