I had no idea of how this experiment might go, just a lot of wondering.
At times it was really good, a way of stretching and pushing myself.
There were uncomfortable moments... all of these bare trunks, naked and waiting for their turn.
At this point I realized how much I enjoy my usual method of letting the story of each piece evolve while being with it, having one idea lead to the next in the flow of making. Working in this way slowed things down. By stitching on so many at once, completing one part at a time (all of the grounds, then the skies, trunks, etc.), it was hard to remember ideas that had come earlier. It felt a bit like speed dating- just as you're getting to know someone, it's time to move on to the next person, and when they come back around, you can't even recall their name and need to spend time getting reacquainted.
At the same time, it was a way to notice that there are so many possible stories, that each could go in many directions, and to try to find ways to do things differently, to see something new.
Even though I doubt that I will do this again, I'm glad I tried it. It was a really good think. By approaching things from a different angle, I was able to observe things about my own process, what works best for me, and some of the why's.
And now there is a forest of friends...
