There used to be a bridal shop next to the studio featuring the loveliest pink, rose-patterned wedding dress in the window. Passing the window wasn’t the shortest way to the studio, but I found myself taking that route many times just to get a peek at the dress.
This is where I found the inspiration for the rose texture you see on a handful of my pieces. When people would ask me about it, I’d simply say it was from a pattern I’d seen on a dress I liked. And for a little while, that is the story I told myself, too.
But there’s actually a little more to it.
I didn’t walk past the dress and observe it as a dress I thought was pretty. I would think of myself in the dress- on my wedding day. And this quickly jumps to, “when will that be?” “With who?” “Am I getting old?!”
“Are you dating anyone yet?” is a pretty regular question I’m asked when I visit my hometown in Indiana. I always say, “no,” and try to move on to another conversation. And the truth is, I’ve become insanely picky. My time and energy are very limited, precious resources. I am terrified that by dating some duds I’ll be spending my resources unwisely, which takes precious time and energy from my art, business, family, friends and health.
Some say, “you’ve got to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince charming.” To which I reply, “ew.”