Connecting to Nature: The Milkweed Project

Thousands of stitches -- Hundreds of artists -- One art installation. The Milkweed Project, a one-of-a-kind collaboration of artists and crafters, will be assembled to resemble the look and feel of a milkweed pod; soft and ethereal, yet powerful.  I...can't...wait!

Shan Bryan-Hanson, artist, teacher, and The Milkweed Project's architect, shares her thoughts about the project and on capturing the shimmering moments in our lives.

One of the things that attracted me to The Milkweed Project was that it seems to be a cross-training exercise in natural beauty and gratitude. Much like skiing develops the thigh muscles, which in turn could improve a bicyclist's performance, this project trains you to see beauty in a different way.  For example, seeing the beauty and interconnectedness of stitches might help someone see that same beauty in leaves. Has being part of this project cross-trained you or your work in other areas?
I love your reference to the project as a cross-training exercise in beauty and gratitude. My guess is that yes, the project has cross-trained with my work in other areas, but since the project is in its early stages, I don't yet have the objectivity that comes with time.   
 
It's a joy to be in contact with so many creative people via The Milkweed Project.  When I create a painting, I have the luxury of being in control of all aspects of the process.  This is also a limitation.  The success of The Milkweed Project is dependent on many people which has, for me, been an exercise in letting go.  Comments and ideas presented by project participants are definitely enhancing the full vision of the project, which has been a lesson in the power of collaboration. 


Our eyes take in so much at one time. It's odd, but it seems that we have to force ourselves to notice the simple beauty like the trek of an ant or a leaf falling to the ground. Your paintings capture the simple in a dream-like way. They make a statement that say "honor me." How do you suggest artists and crafters develop their eye in recognizing and honoring the simple beauty?
I appreciate your thoughtful insights regarding my paintings.   I once heard a man describe the birth of his grandson as a "shimmering moment."  There is much pain and suffering in a human life, but there is also much beauty.  Our days are dotted with shimmering moments.

 My advice is to be alert to these moments and to record what you see; write about your shimmering moments  in a journal, sketch them, photograph or paint them.  The practice will lead you on a journey of discovery and your records will become a document of your own aethetic vision. 
 
Also, go to museums and look, look, look.  It's a wonderful way to develop your artistic eye. 
 
 
Is there any other information you'd like to share about the project?
I recently read these words, attributed to the Buddha, "“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.”  I invite your readers to laugh at the sky with us a bit and by participating in the The Milkweed Project.  The project will be open to new artists and crafters for a short while longer.  We are also looking for exhibition venues, so please contact me with any suggestions.

GIVEAWAY!!! Win this beautiful, handcrafted wooden crochet hook from BrainsBarn. The hook is black walnut with captive ring, size I (5.5mm). Enter the drawing by commenting on this post (today only).

Comments

[Leeshie]

I love how there seem to be more awareness these days about nature and returning to the use of simple, natural, and organic creations. This seems like a great way of exploring these ideas, and I can't wait to read more about the project.

[jan]

this should be an interesting collaboration and can't wait to see it. There are so many creative people in the needlearts that it is exciting to see what might come about.

[Lucy Kilpatrick]

If there is anything to leave a person with is just to "sit, slow down and absorb" This sounds like one of the ways to get people to do just that. Lots of luck to you!

[Donna Kimball]

I joined the milkweed project because I feel that we are so connected with nature that we need to be able to share it. I wanted to participate in a 21st century project, using 19th century patterns and handspun yarn done while explaining to 21st century people how they did it 'back then'. I felt that the continuation of the time line of centuries.

[Becky]

Interesting idea. Where is Shan based? If the project travels I am sure there are many places here in the middle of NC that would host it.

[Treehouse]

As a martial artist, the weaving of my hands in the specific forms reminds me of the wind weaving the milkweed seeds on the fingers of the breeze. What better way is there to blend real life with real life?

Jan

[chefrose]

It is wonderful to discover a great way to be creative!

[cmoon]

My daughter was very creative I dedicate my part in this wonderful peoject to her memory

[Liz]

I joined the Milkweed project because I love the notion of collaborative art projects. There is a different kind of beauty that comes out when people, who aren't connected, each construct one piece of the project. As a whole it'll be both one project, and tons of smaller ones.

[Karin Sinkula]

I am participating in the milkweed project with several friends, one from across the globe! It is giving us a new connection in our friendship, to have our items displayed together in this art project. It is also inspiring me to work in forms I don't normally make.

Karin

[Robbie]

The Milkweed Project has certainly given me the stimulus to get back to a craft form I have neglected of late. The chance to be part of what has become a global project was also too delightful to resist!

My piece is halfway to completion.

[blogless grace]

Very interesting post. I find that if I use one of the kalidescopes with the clear ball at the end I see many things that I do not really "see". It is great fun to sit on the back porch or lie on my back in the yard with this and just twirl it. Then pull back and look at the subject--confusion then clarity.

[Megan Matlock]

I love the idea of the project, and imagining what the end result will be like - to stand in the middle of something so immense, put together by so many people with the same thing in mind...

[Kelee Katillac]

Beautiful questions, observations and concepts!

[L'Tanya]

I signed up to participate and am so looking forward to the finished installation. I just can't imagine how beautiful it will be. I plan to do some research on possible venues in my area and hope that I'll be able to experience it.

[L'Tanya]

Congratulations Treehouse (Jan). You've won the gorgeous handcrafted crochet hook by BrainsBarn.

[Shan]

L'Tanya,

Thank you for sharing The Milkweed Project with your audience. Your website explores craft with such a wonderful sense of depth. Much gratitude!

Shan

[Carrie Malpica]

This project is awe inspiring! The allowance for individual creativity is so good to see. Thank you for bringing this project to my attention!

[Treehouse]

L'Tanya,

Yikes!!! I won? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I was just checking to see the other posts, and there it was. You have brightened my day so much. Thank you again.

Jan

[Liz Adams]

I was delighted to be one of the earliest participants in the Milkweed Project.

As an exhibiting artist of many years, I have appreciated the chance of collaborative art, partly as a way of simply making a small part of a bigger work, partly as a way of using yarn as an art material rather than as a functional material, partly because this project came at a traumatic time of our family's life and was portable enough to be brought to waiting rooms in all kinds of hospitals and to accompany me in receiving sad and difficult news.

It has been a lovely little beacon of light for this artist.