Episode Transcript
E2: "What If There Weren’t Any Rules?"
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Today, I want to ask you a question that has the power to unlock so much potential in your creative life: What if there weren’t any rules? What would you create? How would you work? How might your creative journey change if you stopped holding yourself back with imaginary limits? Let’s explore this idea and see how shifting your mindset can open new doors for your creativity and your fabric-centered practice.
Many of us live by invisible rules without even realizing it. These aren’t rules anyone else necessarily imposes; they’re rules we’ve absorbed over time, often without question. For fabric creatives, they can look like this:
• "I can only use fabric in the way it’s traditionally meant to be used."
• "I’m not allowed to mix unconventional materials with textiles."
• "My work has to look a certain way to be considered good."
• "I need to follow exact patterns or instructions or else I’ll mess it up."
I’ve experienced this myself. One example came many years ago when I was designing within the industry with Dupioni silk. The first rule broken was that we decided to cut it in a jeans jacket style. A very fancy fabric in a decidedly not fancy style! But the biggest broken rule was when we threw it into the washing machine and laundered it just like we would a denim jacket minus the bleach. The look was fantastic and opened up a world of different uses for a very elegant and beautiful fabric. Yes, we did need to make pattern adjustments for size, and change the construction techniques a bit. But the “distressed” look worked beautifully on the silk.
Other experiments involved using bleach solutions on velvet, using burlap in wedding gowns, and experimenting with deconstructed, intentionally “inside-out” projects.
Once we start identifying some of the rules that we adhere to, we can ask ourselves: Are they really true? Or are they just assumptions we’ve internalized?
Now, it’s important to remember that intentional rule-breaking doesn’t mean ignoring foundational concepts. In fact , the most successful and artistic rule-breaking comes from a deep understanding of the "real rules." When you know why a rule exists, you can break it in ways that are meaningful, creative, and impactful, rather than random or chaotic.
It can be exhilarating to explore what happens when we let go of these rules and give ourselves permission to think and work differently.
So, what if there weren’t any rules? Imagine a creative world where you didn’t have to worry about doing it "the right way." Where you could:
• Mix denim and silk in the same piece just because it feels right.
• Paint directly on fabric to create a texture or color you can’t find anywhere else.
• Skip the pattern instructions and let the fabric guide you to a design.
This isn’t just about breaking rules for the sake of rebellion. It’s about giving yourself permission to try new things, experiment, and explore what truly excites you. Some of the most innovative creations come from stepping outside the box and asking, What if I did it differently?
Jeanne Akita is a perfect example of a fiber artist who mixes unconventional materials in her work. In her Illusions Lab Collections, she uses wool from sheep, goats, camels and alpaca, and infused them with silk cocoon, cotton balls, sisal leaves, coconut husks and stalks of jute, hemp or ramie plants.
The truth is, creativity thrives on freedom. And the only way to achieve that freedom is to question the limits you’ve placed on yourself.
Once you’ve identified those imaginary rules, how do you move past them? Well, you may need to walk around, over, under or through the rules! Here are some strategies:
1. Challenge the Assumptions: Ask yourself, "Is this rule really true?" For example, do you really need to stick to the same color palette, or is that just a habit you’ve fallen into? There are concepts of color theory that are helpful in determining a color direction, but we have all seen some combinations that work even if they go against some of the traditional thoughts on color combinations.
2. Experiment Without Judgment: Try something new and give yourself permission to fail. Each experiment is a learning opportunity. Like some of my past experiments, some work and some don’t. But you won’t find the difference if you don’t try something new. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out you discovered a beautiful new technique.
3. Borrow Inspiration: Look to other creative fields for ideas. Architects, for example, often mix unconventional materials in their designs. What might that look like in fabric work? Looking for ideas in unrelated industries removes the “preconceived” boundaries and gives us permission to apply a new technique to our own materials.
4. Reframe the "Rule" as a Guideline: Some rules might have value, but they’re not absolutes. Use them as starting points rather than restrictions.
This might look like cutting fabric on the bias when it’s not traditionally required, making sure to work with the “new” movement properties you will encounter on a bias piece of fabric. Or layering unexpected materials in a collage piece to create textural tension and the play of light on the piece. Or it could simply be redefining your own definition of a “finished” piece.
Remember, breaking these rules doesn’t mean abandoning quality or purpose. It means approaching your work with curiosity and confidence.
There’s a much deeper impact of letting go of rules—on your creativity, your work, and the way you show up in the world.
When you let go of imaginary rules, you give yourself the freedom to create in a way that feels authentic to you. This isn’t just about fabric or design—it’s about how you approach your creative practice as a whole. By questioning and breaking through limits, you can:
• Discover new techniques that excite you.
• Create work that stands out because it reflects your unique perspective.
• Build confidence in your ability to innovate and adapt.
[Pause for Reflection] So, I want to leave you with this question: What imaginary rule is holding you back right now? And what might happen if you let it go? The possibilities are endless when you allow yourself to explore.
I’d love to hear what rules you’re breaking in your creative journey. Share your thoughts or questions with me at virginialeighstudio.com and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Until next time, stay inspired, stay curious, and keep creating.
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