What inspires you to create?

Although I cannot speak for all artists, I would presume most would say there are numerous things that inspire them and influence their art. At the heart of these inspirations is simply life experience. Whether it is the beauty in nature, important moments, times of trial, or your love towards another person, art is fundamentally tied to the artist’s experiences.

For me, quilting gives me a tangible way to express the complexities of my experiences and thoughts; creating something both visual and tactile. So, what inspires me to create? My answer to that question would be: “The things in life that seem too complex to put into words.” Don’t get me wrong, I love words, and I know many people who can use them quite effectively, but when it comes to sharing the complexities of my mind and heart, they have always felt limited to me.

So why do I bring this up? Well, because the quilt I am sharing this week is one of these quilts that expresses a concept too complex for words. Nevertheless, I will attempt to describe its significance.

The quilt…

One of my recurring prayers over the last months has been “God, break me down and build me up the right way.” It has been my simple way of saying that I recognize my thoughts, plans, and behaviors have not been built on his will and good design for me. But also, that I want him to take my broken pieces and make them whole again, in the way he intended for them to be used. I want Jesus to be the cornerstone of my life, with everything that he has given me built up in a way that will point toward him and his goodness.

The other beautiful piece of having Christ as the cornerstone of my life is that, through him, I am joined together with those also trusting in and following him. I am not alone in my journey from brokenness to wholeness.

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:17-22 ESV

That is what this quilt is meant to express. At least as far as words will allow me to explain 😉

So my question for you is…..What inspires you to create?

And, if you have made it this far, thank you for sticking with me to hear the whole story of this quilt! I would love to hear from you in the comments! And, if you are interested in hearing about my next project be sure to sign up for my email newsletter so I can let you know when the next blog is published!