Sunday, March 17, 2013

Out of the Blue

Once I came up with the final concept for this quilt, I struggled with the decision to share the meaning behind it.  If you've been following my blog you'll know this is 'Plan B', but as I worked on it, a reoccurring theme kept coming up.  As I researched the text covering this quilt, which relates to all things blue, from the various colour names to facts about the colour blue, one theme kept coming to the forefront...that of depression.  And so I decided to embrace it and really focus on what that means to me.

As such the quilt, like depression, is messy.  It doesn't have square edges and it doesn't lie flat.  The text itself is depicted as sort of a 'blah, blah, blah' droning on in an endless, flat fashion.  In the midst of the quilt is a deep, black hole, and from it there are lots of people struggling to escape...Out of the Blue.  Those numbers are important, because although depression is a dark and lonely place, the prevalence of people suffering depression is staggering.  And, while you are in that deep, dark place, you are unable to see that you are not alone, in large part because of the silence that still surrounds this disorder.  The quilt hangs from a rough piece of driftwood that has somewhat harsh, broken ends.

So, yes...I'm putting it out there.  To quote a friend, I'm putting on my big girl panties and I sharing this art quilt and the meaning behind it because the message needs to be shared.  As Clara Hughes says as the spokesperson for Bell's National campaign, LET'S TALK!

I've included a bit of information from the Depression Hurts website:

During their lifetime about 1 in 10 people in Canada will experience an episode of major depressive disorder (the diagnosis given to those suffering from depression) 5 

Unfortunately many people, unaware of how common depression is, avoid seeking treatment because they worry what others will think of them. They feel like they’re the only ones. Depression is in fact a widespread medical condition:6,7

  • Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide6
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20 comments:

  1. mauihumv@gmail.comMarch 17, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Beautiful..... I also glad that you sacred this!!

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  2. rappyMarch 17, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Linda, this is an amazing piece. I can't believe you got all that text...on a QUILT! i am so impressed...i'm a girl who tapes the hem on my pants! lol...
    You are truly talented and very brave. thank you for having the courage to put this out there...I too have been suffering from boughts of depression. Using your art to help you cope and spread the message is very courageou and commendable! kudos my sweet and talented friend!

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 17, 2013 at 2:57 PM

      Thank you so much Linda. It's support from friends like you that gives me the courage to put it out there. It's such an important message especially for those of us who work with kids. I know bullying and the resulting depression, etc. is so prevalent in schools too, especially middle school and high school. Hugs, LInda

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  3. AnonymousMarch 17, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    I absolutely love this Linda. I'm still out of sorts trying to overcome my latest bout of depression and hoping the little nigglings of spring help. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Stay inspired!

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 17, 2013 at 6:11 PM

      Thanks Michelle. I'm hoping Spring gets here soon too. My son says we're solar powered and I really believe there is some truth to that. Hugs, Linda

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  4. M-R CharbonneauMarch 17, 2013 at 10:31 PM

    Your quilt captures the feelings of depression beautifully for me too! So glad to see that ladder. :)

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 18, 2013 at 8:17 AM

      Thanks. Yes, we need the ladder...a bit of hope!

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  5. Jean BaardsenMarch 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Bravo, Linda! Love the quilt. The blah, blah, blah is what goes on in my head most of the time. Get really tired of it! I'm taking painting classes, and I realize that my main goal in learning to paint is to use it to "illustrate my life." You're doing the same with your quilts.

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 18, 2013 at 8:21 AM

      Thanks Jean. I'm certainly finding that my art is a big help. I hope the painting is great therapy for you too! Have a great week!

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  6. Lori Bradford's artMarch 18, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    Art is so healing. You did a brave thing, making your quilt but discussing depression. Bravo.

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  7. AnonymousMarch 19, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Truly marvelous, I adore this quilt and the message! xox

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  8. Kit LangMarch 19, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    Bravo Linda! I did a piece about depression a couple of years ago too*. Perhaps like you, it was a bit of a "deep breath" moment to talk about my struggle with depression, but I also think, like you, that it helps us all when we do.



    *if you're interested, you can use the search box on my blog for "A Sparrow In The Rain

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 20, 2013 at 8:08 AM

      Thanks Kit. And yes, I do believe it helps and it's also interesting to see just how many of us are affected by it at some point. By putting it out there I've learned that so many others have or are struggling too by the comments like yours. Thanks for sharing. I will certainly go and look up 'A Sparrow In the Rain'.

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  9. Lies KosterMarch 20, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    Linda, I really like this quilt of yours. I'm happy you didn't throw it away. As a total outsider, not aware of any depression (before I read your comment) I liked al the words and the "total" reminded me of water. So the persons that stept out of the water by means of that ladder made me laugh and that is quit the opposite emotion! I hope you like this "outsider comment" . lieskoster.blogspot.com

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    1. Linda KittmerMarch 20, 2013 at 8:10 AM

      Thanks Lies. That is funny. It's interesting to see what people interpret when only looking at the art without knowing the story behind it.

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  10. TinaWMarch 28, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Very brave and beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

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I love to hear what you think . Thanks for your comment .

I've had to add moderation because of a lot of spam, but your message will be posted soon. Thank you!
Linda

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