Art: My Lifelong Friend • by Lynn Krawczyk

I’m a firm believer that everything in this life happens for a reason. It’s not always easy to see it when you are in the midst of it, particularly if an event is a less than pleasant experience, but when the dust settles and you’re able to sit back, you can see the purpose like a blaring neon sign. And then everything makes perfect sense.

A Tough Transition
In my early twenties I injured my back. It’s a chronic condition that every female in my family has to deal with, but I was surprised that it struck me so quickly. I went from being an avid workaholic at my corporate job to needing to rest and sit still. The transition was not an easy one — full of anger and upset and discomfort. Up until that point, my only hobby was working. Then, faced with not being able to work while I recovered from surgery, I was lost.

Coming Home
A quilting show on cable caught my attention and I decided to check out some books on the topic from the library. I knew nothing about it. I’d seen fabric before, I knew there were places that sold it, but what to do with it? No clue. Two books on crazy quilting caught my eye and I remember feeling like I’d come home. I poured over them for hours and collected some scraps of fabric. I fell in love.

Every stitch, every bead, every moment of feeling the fabric between my fingers was soothing and I knew that I would never turn back. I’ve moved into other areas of fiber arts since that day 11 years ago. I’ve owned a small storefront that catered to hand stitching and crazy quilts, organized local and traveling quilt shows, and discovered a passion for blogging.

A Permanent Fixture
Art quilts and screen printing dominate the majority of my studio time now. No matter what form it takes, fiber art is a permanent fixture in my life. Those times when my body can’t keep up with my mind or the stresses of life become too overwhelming, I always have my art to turn to. It has saved me in so many ways. I expect we will be lifelong friends.

To learn more about Lynn Krawczyk, email her at tatgirl207@earthlink.net.

Comments

[Deb H]

An your work is stunning! Thanks for sharing, Lynn.

[Judi]

Lynn, you're wonderful... I am SO glad you turned the channel to that quilt show, or we might never have met! Very inspiring story, lady. :D

[rachel whetzel]

Love the pieces you shared here!!