You might remember that I moved the blog over to WordPress (here) in February or so of this year. The Blogger version of this blog still exists, but It is not being updated. Thus, I was surprised to get a comment on the Blogger version of my blog. I am glad people are still finding their way to my quilt words. The comment was about the Nosegay, attached to a post from January about the completion of the Nosegay. The commenter, MaryJane, was not at all happy with my choice of colors for that project. Sadly, she did not leave an email or a blog where I could go an look at her stuff.
This has made me think about comments on blogs. It makes me wonder why people leave comments and why someone would feel compelled to say my color choice for that project was ‘quite awful.’ They might really be quite awful, but her comment was really not helpful. Why were the color choices awful? Is there some color rule that I broke? Or is the comment just a reflection of her love for lumpy colors (as the Child calls them) like grey, khaki, beige, and olive?
And granted, as I have admitted, the photos of the Nosegay aren’t that good. None of the ones I have taken do it justice. It is a large quilt and difficult to photograph. As soon as our financial situation changes, I plan to take it to my professional photographer and have it photographed by someone with a space large enough to do it properly.
In public spaces, I really try to say something nice about a project even if it is not the style or colors I would choose. I feel sorry for MaryJane. I think she must be an unhappy person who had to rain on my parade to feel better about herself. Or perhaps, she is just mean and nasty, or someone who intensely dislikes me and disguised his/her identity.
I like the colors I chose for the Nosegay and think that it is a cheerful quilt. Still, the comment made me think and, I have to admit, threw me for a loop.
The Artquiltmaker blog on Blogger has good info, but all of it has been transferred here to WordPress, so I implemented some safety features on that Blogger blog to send people over here to Artquiltmaker.com. Commenting there may not be as easy for you as it once was. I didn’t feel right in removing her comment, however, and this is a good compromise.
Everyone should feel free to comment honestly on my blog, however, it would be much appreciated if criticism were constructive. Also, ‘man up’ and put your contact information so we can have a constructive conversation.
I am not sure why I am writing this since my regular readers are supportive and constructive in the comments I have received. (Thanks, TFQ, Quilt Rat, SherriD, Beena, Julie and everyone else!) I have to remind myself this was probably an isolated incident that has really nothing to do with me put out there by an unhappy person.
I like the quilt. Honestly if there are things that I run across in the blog world that I dont’ like, I just don’t comment. It would be different if you specifically asked for input from the world at large. Maybe that is just me. I love your blog and your creative prompts. Keep up the great work!
I think MaryJane needs to recalibrate her monitor or get a new one. Or wait, I know, how about she just goes and Gets A Life! sheesh. What kind of person leaves an anonymous comment like that on a blog? As my Dad says: “Don’t let the turkeys get you down!”
Dear Artquiltmaker,
Just looked at your nosegay quilt (again) to see the colors used. You actually choose an excellent color scheme – the three primary system. There is a tint of red (pink), blue, and yellow. your neutrals are black and white. I think you did an excellent job and MaryJane needs to take a color class!
You are right that the photo is not the best but it is quite difficult to photograph a large quilt at home without several helpers.
Mary
I won’t write what I thought because I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation of being a sweet southern belle who NEVER uses language like that. Besides, I would have had to use several ‘letters’ from the top set of keys on my keyboard and it isn’t light enough to see them yet. Let’s just say that comment was crass and totally unhelpful.
Well, MaryJane’s comments were very unhelpful. I choose to think that she was jealous. And to appreciate the support and helpful comments from my fans and regular readers. I guess the lesson is to ‘man up’ and say who you are if you have a comment like that.
Jaye, as a psychiatrist, I am fascinated by the anonymity of the internet and what that brings out in people. I found MaryJane’s comment interesting, not because there is any validity to it, but because it is so petty in both it’s wording and sentiment. I would go on, but this is a blog about art and beauty and process.
BTW, I took a look at Nosegay for the first time and found myself coveting it. I love that blue (is it an aqua blue in real life?) and am always trying to figure out what to put with it so that the overall effect isn’t juvenile. Your color scheme is great because you didn’t overcompensate for the connotation of the light blue and try to make it overly mature by using “the lumpy colors”. You kept a youth and vibrance and energy.
I don’t have a good color “language” so I hope this makes sense.
In any case, thanks for sharing your inner processes and your actual projects. I’m finding them a great inspiration.
Jessica
Dear Mary,
Thanks for your comments and for your obvious color knowledge. I appreciate your analysis of the Nosegay color scheme. I am committed to getting a better photo taken at some point.
Dear Julie,
I appreciate your comments. I am not letting her comments get me down. I feel more and more sorry for her. I am, actually, glad I posted about this, because I am really feeling the love and because I feel some validation in my color choices. I didn’t really question them, but it is always good to look at them in a new light.
Dear Judith, Thanks for commenting and for reading my blog! I have to agree that I, either, try and find something nice to say about a person’s piece or refrain from saying anything. There is enough negativity in the world to not need more of it. As I have said I am not opposed to constructive criticism, because all of us can learn from others and I, honestly, get too close to projects sometimes. I would love to hear more from you.
Dear Jessica, I have tried in a variety of quilts to push the idea of neutral using (in this case) blue, and in other quilts pink, yellow and black as backgrounds. Quilts seem to, traditionally, have a neutral or white background. Black is more common and I haven’t done any research studies on this. I like seeing how I can push the idea of neutral. Some are more successful than others.
Please feel free to use MaryJane’s comment as a note or basis for a study on the anonymity of the Internet! Your comment has made me think about the juxtaposition of her comment and the underlying goal of my blog, beauty, process, color and cheerfulness. I want people to smile when they see my quilts and read my blog. As I said before, there is enough negativity in the world. I do strive to achieve that and know I can always do better.
The blue is more of a sky blue and subtly mottled with white-ish-blue. I think there is a hint of grey also.
Wow ……….Listen to your supporters Jaye, really what is the point of leaving a negative comment like that……..it is NOT constructive criticism, it’s just plain nasty and I agree that Mary Jane need to “manup” maybe she should put her quilts where her mouth is…………..and I am so glad that Sherri has not been forced to ruin her reputation 😉
Yes, Quilt Rat, I am so pleased that so many people wrote thoughtful comments. I am also relieved that SherriD can still be considered a genteel Southern lady.