Devil’s Den 1: In Progress

A design that is loosely–very loosely, I played with a screenshot of a sketch in a Kindle book–based on a six-pointed star that appeared in Wiltshire, UK in 1999, near a Neolithic monument called The Devil’s Den. After weeks of thinking about colors, I fused a substrate together in February 2023.

I wanted to make this piece sleek, accurate, and sophisticated, as tribute to the geometric accuracy of the circle makers.

Six months later, all I had managed to accomplish was fraying the edges of the diamond shapes, and driving myself into a spiral of self-doubt and shame.

Fast forward to January 2024. I have grown weary of the un-finished fused piece taunting me. There is not alternative: if it is to be finished, it must be distorted, deformed, and childish. That is what I am. I cannot be fixed. Embrace the failure.

You have noticed the pale blue star is coming unfused from the background fabric (which I believe was purchased in Alaska in 2005…). An attempt was made to hold it down with a chain stitch. Note to self: you are bad at chain stitch. Embrace the failure.

I will say this: a wonky line of sequins looks erratic and childish, but stitching it is supremely relaxing, almost meditative. After an hour of stories, progress can be seen. After a second hour, I have a dozen (potentially ill-fated) ideas for improving Devil’s Den 2.

…as you have inferred from “In Progress”, there are still some steps to go before it is finished. It must sit for a bit, while I move other things out of the way. Sigh.