Transitions: Collaboration and Creation through Change
We all have, at one time or another, faced a difficult transition: a major project ending, changing life circumstances, or other things that just make it hard for us to balance our lives. Transitions are hard but what helps is working with other people on something new, different and exciting. The act of just creating eases life’s transitions especially when the collaboration is a labor of love, something that isn’t paid, and is outside our comfort zone. These collaborations help us get to know others and build connections.
I most recently worked on a textile collaboration with artist, Meghan Widger owner of Hills and Thread who I had been following on Instagram. Our conversation about her work and about our project details how two artist can get to know each other, create together, and move through our ever changing lives.
what made you start the work you do today?
As far as I can remember, I’ve always loved creating. But my sewing journey started at age 14. I got really hooked on the show Project Runway and just felt like I wanted to do what the designers did. I felt a spark, like this was something I could be good at. I wanted to learn, so my awesome parents gifted me with a sewing machine. I taught myself to use it and designed my own garments. However my interested shifted from fashion design to quilting, and has been evolving and expanding ever since.
do you have a vision, goal, or destination in the work you do?
My main destination is to some day teach my own workshops. I want to teach people not only the skills and knowledge to sew or paint, but how to enjoy the process and how therapeutic it can be. I’d also like to travel around to display and sell my work at different festivals and shows. Basically I just want to learn, share, and teach.
what did you enjoy about working with me/us?
I enjoyed getting to know a new artist and learning about your Electrography project. Collaborating two completely different skills and talents is such a fun experience. Not only did I learn a lot from you but I also gained a lot of inspiration from this project!
what do you do outside of when you’re not designing/creating?
I spend most of my time creating. If I’m not sewing then I’m painting or making something else. But If I’m not making something then I’m taking care of my plants, practicing yoga, or listening to music/podcasts. I love being outside, reading/writing, and thrift store shopping.
what made you start hills and thread?
Starting Hills and Thread was actually a huge step for me. As an introverted person who used to be painfully shy, I never liked to draw attention to myself and was never one to show off my work. I realized that starting my own business would be constantly challenging me to go outside my comfort zone and, in turn, help me evolve and grow. It took a lot for me to just start posting things I made on social media for exposure, then I was terrified of starting an Etsy shop. But every time you do something that scares you, you take control and the fear loses its power little by little. I decided I wanted to overcome as many fears as possible not only for myself, but to inspire others to do the same.
Just as starting Hills and Thread caused Meghan to leave her comfort zone, working with her and interviewing her helped me do the same. Through our collaboration, I was able to expand my brand and create something new.
What collaborations have you been a part of? How have they fueled your creativity?
The Perpetual You
At The Perpetual You, they believe in choosing, embracing, celebrating, and unleashing the best parts of ourselves – the parts that never change – our Perpetual Selves. They are creating a movement that encourages women to love and share who they already are.
The Perpetual You offers women the tools to create Joy, Ease, Fun & Wealth; the opportunity to connect with like-minded women and form intentional, meaningful relationships; and the space to showcase their creative and/or entrepreneurial talents as part of our makers movement intended to shake up the world.
Read the current issue: http://www.theperpetualyou.com/the-magazine/
