My Fabric Art, My Inspirations

I was an Art teacher some years ago. However, I put my art aside to open a business, which I operated for many years. Then, I retired six years ago. I thought things were going to be exciting! Three months later, I became extremely bored and depressed. However, I pulled myself together and took inventory of my skills. I volunteered, read books, traveled and I did other things. Still, nothing seemed to be enough for me. Then one day, I sat down and thought about my childhood days, when life was less demanding, and less complicated; when I simply enjoyed the friendship of other children and the joy we had playing games.

At the age of six, I designed Paper Dolls and paper dolls clothes. As a matter of fact, my Paper Doll drawings were in big demand by my peers. They even paid 3-5 cents per design! And once my friends saw the many other Paper Dolls I had designed for myself, they wanted more. Soon, I was designing paper dolls and dresses for every little girl in the neighborhood. My piggy bank grew and so did my love of art.

Reflecting on my childhood days was inspirational. Still, I was uncertain about what I should do with my life. But uncertainty vanished, within the next few days, when I picked up a pair of scissors, and began experimenting with fabric. I did not realize what I was cutting, and it did not matter. I discovered that I was extremely relaxed and happy to simply cut fabric!

I soon realized that I was cutting shapes of people and I became excited as a child. I could cut fabric into active characters that represented real people! I could cut unique characters, such as; musicians, children, people in church, dancers, struggling people, weddings, etc. Later, I would call my new found art...Lifestyles By Rybba. Since that day, each character I have cut, represents someone who has influenced my life.

That was how I started my journey into a wonderful new career of Fabric Art. And, it all happened because I reflected on my memories, my past...my inspirations. The memory of cutting Paper Dolls allowed my mind to settle on something relative to my life, something I had been passionate about. It was my impetus to tap into my creativity again.

I encourage you to do likewise. Reflect on the past. At times, it is a wonderful place to visit. You might also find that one special thing that will motivate you.

Mind Searcher
How or why did you enter your field of interest? Were you inspired by; a tradition, an entertainer, struggles, a hurricane, or maybe by a dance? Please feel free to share your comments with us. We'd like to know!