May 9, 2012

Imperfectly Perfect

I found an old interview where Yulia Brodskaya describes her process.  I just wanted to share an excerpt.

When asked "Your works are refined and precise, does paper allow you a great accuracy in detail, or do you manage well any limit which arises in the process

 She says:  "There are some limitations when using this paper craft technique; for instance it is very difficult to create small objects such as small letters or serifs. Proper lighting during the photo shoot helps to hide minor inaccuracies. But in the end of the day this is hand-made work, if someone wants a perfect flawless image, they should go for digital art."  

See?  even Yulia thinks her work is imperfect.  Though, to any of us who sets our eyes on what she creates, it's impossible to see a flaw.  I dunno why but this made me feel much better about what I am doing.  

Admittedly, she is the quilling queen that any quiller strives to emulate.  But, like her, I need to be okay with the imperfections in my work.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am not comparing myself in ANY WAY to her.  She is in a league of her own.  But reading those words from her made me feel better.  I doubt myself too much.  And I need to be ok with not being perfect.  I am working on a project bigger than anything I have ever done before and I am SO scared of messing it up.  And I keep second, third, and fourth guessing myself.  But, at the end of the day, I can only give and make what I, Sandy Diaz, can do with my two little hands.  That in itself has been very hard for me to accept.  But I will trek on.  Still swimming to my island. ;)

So, here is a sneak peek of part of the project.  It's multiple things.  But I hope to make these images available to anyone who wishes to use them on their blogs.  It is my first time outlining letters and I have to be honest, I have cried literal tears of frustration.  But I'm still swimming!  These images are made from card stock and I am learning to be okay with how they have turned out.  Perhaps there is beauty in imperfection?  (Kind of hard to accept for a perfectionist.)

I'd love to hear your feedback.  There is one more social media icon I am making and then on to the larger, more complex part of the project.  Pray for me, peeps!  

Sorry about the obnoxious copyright mark.  But, you gotta do what you gotta do!

SWEET Wednesday to you all!


  1. Looking good, Sandy! Yulia's words are certainly encouraging. Keep on swimming - that island is in sight!

  2. Sandy the very essence of art is not in symmetry or perfect straight lines or perfectly rounded curves -- what we may feel as imperfect will be perfect perfection for someone else!

    1. What beautiful words. I really appreciate them, Sonia. Thank you.

  3. like the letters very much, did a great job!!!
    I also like what Dr Sonia had to say, keep up the good work!!!

  4. Wow - they look great :o) Just remember Dory - "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..." :o)

  5. Thank you for finding me! Your work is beautiful! I agree, Yulia Brodskaya is a modern quiller's role model!

    1. Glad to see you here, Eileen. Thank you.

  6. Nice!! Yours looks flawless for me thou :)

