Finalising Designs and Cutting Cloth

This week, after more questions to The Journey team about the orientation of the structure on the site, the final design of The Sacred Journey crystalized in my mind. I have to admit, it always gets me a bit worried, because for a long time it feels like it’s never going to happen. This is a process I am familiar with now, and I’ve learned to trust it. It takes a certain amount of time, information gathering and rest, and waiting, until boom, the inspiration hits and everything that has been calculating in my mind suddenly snaps into focus.

There has been a lot to consider, and different ideas have come and gone, including whether to open up the opportunity to other artists (Radical Inclusion), or to allow my art flow with The Journey, as it was invited and intended. I finally chose the latter and have let my own art and influences shape the space.
 
Introducing the Design
Access to the temple is via a “tunnel” which will spiral into the centre of the temple. This tunnel will be laid out in six different sections, each with a gateway to the next section, consisting of cloth banners that fall onto the path way.

Cutting of Cloth
This weekend saw the first cutting of cloth for the installation, a banner I have been thinking through for a long time – The Chakra Gateway. This depicts the (Westernised version of the) 7 chakra system, with a doilie to represent the swirling energy of each charka vortex. As with most of the work, the fabric sourced for this piece have been found in opshops (thrift stores). This takes a while to find everything I need, but I like the challenge of working with what is available. Through reusing old items, it is a small contribution towards sustainability and I try to avoid buying new fabric when I can. 
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I often find myself having to teach myself new skills when making things, and this weekend it was all about how to make 6, 12 and 10, petalled flowers out of paper. It’s not as easy as you think! But I enjoy the process of trial and error and making things with my hands. The table became littered with petals of all numbers, and the first of the chakras for the banner completed.

 ​Work Plan Set
Now that the design has been finalised, it is possible to map out all the things that need to be done in the next 9 weeks. Breaking down the tasks make it less overwhelming… especially when there is our Australian regional, Burning Seed and a trip to New Zealand in between now and YOUtopia. (FYI, from now on you will constantly see me carrying around hand-sewing to be done on the run. Every moment counts!)
 
Get involved
If this design inspires you and you want to get behind and help out, there are things you can do which require no sewing experience. I need the overlocker humming to make all the strips of fabric that will be woven into The Journey Structure. Get in contact and help me out! Or if you live in Whangarei, come to my finger knitting workshop, where we will create the roof of the temple together during the September school holidays.

​Happy sewing!