change

It comes, bidden or not, subtle or with a sudden jolt. The choices one can make to cope with it are to resist mightily, passively let it carry you along, or try to find the sparkle within the catalyst.

My sudden jolt arrived last week when I discovered that the Park, after years of trying to get a budget approval to remodel the interior of their Visitor Center has suddenly had it granted. Because of this, they have requested that I wait until next year to deliver the tapestry, which will most likely be end of summer or early autumn.

Here’s why:

Because Grand National Park is a government entity, any project that would change their budget needs must be approved. The government fiscal year ends at the end of September, so new budgets go into effect at the beginning of October. Since the Park on the North Rim closes in late October (heavy winter snows make it inaccessible), work on the Visitor Center cannot begin until the Park reopens in mid-May 2013. Which means that the Visitor Center will be no place for a textile until the remodeling dust settles, hence the rescheduled delivery date. Sigh.

Shock & dismay was quickly followed by optimism. One of my personal mantras has always been “everything happens for a reason”, so even when I am disappointed by an unexpected turn of events, I try to look for the sparkle.

I have come to feel this change is for the best, especially since the Park is trying to make sure the redo incorporates an optimal display setting for my condor. The original goal for the remodel was to showcase other residency artists' work, long stored away in the recesses of the Park’s museum, so my condor will also be in some pretty fancy company, as any diva would desire.

As of this writing, the woven height is between 8 to 8.5 feet. All that remains is nearly 2 feet of feathers & sky. For the sky, I have chosen the unfathomable blue that makes its appearance here in the desert during spring & autumn…crisp, fresh & vivid, hard to describe with a color name, but those of you who live in the desert or have visited during those times know it. The background cliffs, which are the very last landforms, were rendered in a brighter value than the buttes, & the weft bundles manipulated to allow the darkest strands of wool to appear as subtle lines in the weave. Although it may seem that cliffs so very far away would have no features & be quite drab in color, because of their sheer verticalness some lithic features are usually still discernible. When the desert sun reaches a certain afternoon slant, it mellows the Canyon’s gorges & recesses, but the distant cliffs will suddenly incandesce as if on fire for a brief time. Canyonglow.

So while the feverish pitch of weaving has been tempered a bit, I am determined to finish her this fall. It's time for us both to be set free.

Comments

[lyn]

Yes, Anton, you are so right!

[Anton Veenstra]

sometimes the momentum of a looming [pun] deadline can warp your best energy; but you know best how to reconcile this new change; love the blue/mauve round the eagle's head, soaring...

[lyn]

Thank you, everyone, for your words of encouragement.

Kathy, what a great thought-- more time to spend with her. Funny how it is with tapestry... the excitement of the beginning, the impatience in the middle (am I ever going to finish this thing?), the wistfulness at the end.

Rebecca, Janie also wants to come help with the finishing, so it is an impetus to finish up. I'll let you know when I am close & you will be most welcome to join us if you can!

Gaelyn, I have always felt so honored to know that my condor was going to be displayed instead of being stored. After seeing some of the other artists' beautiful work, I am so excited that theirs will also now be showcased, & I admire Robin's determination to make this happen. I hope that the Park will plan an opening reception & perhaps the other artists could also attend. What a cool party that would be! Fine art, wine, & a condor soaring over it all!

Ah, Annie, you are so right. She would hate being in there without an audience to admire her... not to mention the mess she would make :)

[Annie Kerr]

It's tough to accept this change of plan so close to what you thought was going to happen. Sorry to hear. Hope you're not too disappointed. You're right to try to see things happening for a reason. I'm sure your work will take pride of place next season. A condor would never want to be stuck indoors alone all winter. Ax

[Gaelyn]

I was So looking forward to her release from the loom and into the VC this fall. But am equally glad she will be a big part of the remodel, along with other deserving art.

[Kathy Spoering]

I'm glad you can see this as a positive thing. She will be hanging in a spiffed up place, and think of the openings and visitors that will see her, when they come to see the Lodge re-do! It will also give yo a chance to spend some time with her, and perhaps share it locally as well. She's looking lovely!

[Rebecca Mezoff]

Ah, that is a large change of events... but it does sound like it will be better for the bird in the long run. I would also have been disappointed. I am glad you are still going to get her done and move forward with new things! Cheers to the rest of the condor! I can't wait to see her finished.