The Unfinishable Project

WHAT AND WHY As makers we all sometimes produce work that we are unable to finish. Trying to discover the reasons why this has happened aids our learning and development. The explanations can be many and much of the work we’re dissatisfied with can be easy to dispose of or quite readily re-jigged and improved. But, just occasionally, there is a particular piece of work that whilst not quite right, has something about it which merits it being put on the back burner pending a revelation on how to resolve it – which, in fact, seldom happens for a variety of reasons. It may be an unfinished work with an emotional tie attached to it that prevents a final resolution but also makes it impossible to merely discard. Or, as you or your circumstances change you may look at an unfinished piece with new, maybe critical, eyes but because it is part of your personal history it still has a value which prevents resolution. It is these kinds of pieces that we are interested in and which we call the ‘Unfinishable.’ We are two textile artists who are exploring the realm of the almost-right, the also-ran, the heroic failures as assessed by the makers themselves. Other eyes may not be able to see any problem with the work or may see solutions to its resolution but it is the maker’s views alone in which we are interested. We have started an investigation into this pivotal part of the creative process and we are asking for contributing evidence from all makers working with textiles or stitch. All entries have a part to play.

(via The Unfinishable)

A project being done in England by Hazel Connors and Felicity Clarke, two textile artists who collaborate with textile street artist Mrs. Smith. Unfinishable launches October 2012, site doesn’t say how long they’re accepting submissions for but you can join here.