We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rita Lynne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Rita with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is influenced by my parents and two Indian Chefs we knew growing up in Northern Michigan My father comes from a framing family in Wisconsin, my mother comes from a manufacturing assembly line working family. in Michigan. Work with the group, work for the family, work to be of service is what my parents showed us as kids. Being of service is very important to our family. Being of service to others – in any capacity – is rewarding to me.
Also, my dad showed me the value and satisfaction I receive when I stay with the project to the finish line. The two American Indian Chiefs were friends with my parents, and both taught me that in my artwork it will never be ‘perfect’ however it will be complete when I “feel” I have completed the artwork …..for now. That wisdom has helped me to understand there really isn’t an end to a project, that are pauses and pivots to explore other dimensions. Art projects are like chapters in my book of life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
“I paint with fabric” is a good way to describe my fiber art. I am known for 3-dimensional artwork like my vessels and floating art quilts. My original 3D floral artwork also has kept me busy designing for fabric and thread companies. Developing new dimensions with fabric is my passion.
Fiber art is like storytelling to me. I start out with an inspiration in my mind, bringing together fabric and embellishments. As any artist knows there comes a time in the process when the art piece tells the artist what is next, and what is needed to express the story. This is the most exciting part of designing an art piece – let the vision change as you go deeper into the design work.
Presently, my art vessels and floating art quilts are my passion. Teaching a new 3D way to use fabric is so rewarding. It is transformational for the student when they have an “aha” moment shifting their mind set and 2D fabric artwork.
I mentioned how art is like storytelling. My next chapter is in the process of unfolding this fall. I am launching an appeal online shop exclusive to quilters and crafters. The main product is sharing positive self-expressions. I am having a blast designing for tee shirts, bags and other products.
For years I have noticed the tee shirts my students wear to class and realized we are not expressing who we are. The themes I am developing are positive self-expressions related to our crafts. Part of the shop is a monthly membership with designs only available to members and the other part of the shop is for the general public to purchase. My test runs have been 100% positive responses. When we wear something nice, we just feel better.
Recently, I also added a class on Skillshare.com on one of my fiber art vessels. I will be adding my Crazy Quilt Art Vessel class to Skillshare.com this fall. I’m also developing a course to share with other quilters and crafters on how to take the next step online with their artwork.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most impactful areas of knowledge was pushing away from the critics who did not like my work when I started out. It took time, but I have learned to listen to the critics without quickly accepting their opinions as better than my own opinion. It’s always worthwhile to listen to what others see in your work. It will teach you to better understand what people are looking for when seeing your work. It helps you communicate with more people as you learn how people look at your work – what the framework is they use to develop their opinions.
Just as important is working through self-doubt when the internal mental debate gets confusing and stops the process of creating art. Self-doubt is common and usually lets me know I am trying something new and different so there is no safety net of past experiences to rely on. This is test #1 in pushing on to self-trust and keep on going!
Self-acceptance is always in up and down motion through the art processes. Look at your small successes, your tiny steps that “felt” good and use those important awarenesses to self-acceptance. These are not stumbling blocks; they are building blocks when you accept them ALL as vital parts of the process to express your art.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I want to address the obstacle of age and women developing their art. I know many women over 60 who have developed quilting and crafting as hobbies over the years. As they face retirement from work and empty nest homes so many women want to expand their art through quilting and crafts business ventures yet hold back because they believe they are too old to start a new venture.
I am part of that group. The obstacle lives in our minds and what we have accepted from other opinions and age-appropriate behaviors. This is a topic too big for a short interview, However, I rely on four books as guides and hope they will help in some way.
‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz, ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success’ by Deepak Chopra, ‘The Secret ‘by Rhonda Byrne and ‘It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again’ by Julia Cameron. I use these four books as guides when I question if I am too old to expand my artwork. I hope this helps.
I have overcome this challenge by not giving it much room in my thoughts or beliefs. One of the advantages of getting older is not worrying so much about what others think about us. It’s kind of a freedom of self-opinion.
We are wise women who have lived enough life to have great stories to still tell. What slow down!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.RitaLynneStudio.com
- Facebook: Rita Lynne, Rita Lynne Studio
- Youtube: Rita Lynne Studio
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