Becoming the Student Again: No Rules, Just Art
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
There’s something quietly powerful about choosing to learn again.
This week, instead of teaching a class, I’m stepping into the role of student. I’ve signed up for a four-day Intro to Weaving class, and I couldn’t be more excited — not because I want to master weaving, but because I want to experience it without rules.
No patterns.
No prescribed designs.
No expectations of how the piece “should” look.
Just fiber, intuition, and the freedom to let the work unfold.
Returning to an Old Language
The image you see here is a weaving I created several years ago. At the time, I didn’t fully realize what I was doing — I was simply responding to texture, color, and movement. Looking at it now, I recognize something important: this free-flowing, intuitive approach has always been part of my creative language.
Before thread painting.
Before layered mixed media.
Before NO RULES, JUST ART had a name.
Weaving was already teaching me how to listen.
Why “No Rules” Matters
“Technique is a tool, not a cage.”
For me, NO RULES, JUST ART isn’t about ignoring technique — it’s about not being ruled by it. Technique can support creativity, but it shouldn’t confine it. When rules loosen their grip, curiosity takes the lead. And that’s where meaningful, honest work begins.
I’ve learned that:
The process matters more than the outcome
Irregular edges and open spaces carry their own beauty
Texture tells a story words often can’t
“Mistakes” are often invitations to explore something new
This weaving class isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention — to rhythm, tension, materials, and instinct.
This philosophy isn’t tied to one medium. It moves with me — whether I’m working with fiber, paint, stitching, or surface design.
It’s a reminder that we don’t need to label ourselves by materials or techniques.
I’m not a fiber artist
I'm not a weaver.
I’m not a painter.
I’m a creator.
How This Will Shape My Art (and My Teaching)
I already know this experience will ripple outward.
It will show up in my artwork through looser textures, unexpected layers, and new ways of building depth and surface. But just as importantly, it will shape how I teach.
When I step into the classroom, my goal has never been for students to copy what I do. My goal is to help you discover how you create.
I teach technique as a foundation — not a formula. I’ll show you the how, but I’ll also encourage the why:
Why this texture feels right.
Why breaking a “rule” might unlock something unexpected.
Why trusting your instincts matters just as much as learning the method.
Whether we’re thread painting, working with Inktense, or layering mixed media, the heart of my teaching remains the same:
No rules. Just art.
Because when you feel free to explore, your work becomes more expressive, more personal — and far more satisfying.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’re feeling called to explore your own creative voice — without pressure or perfection — I invite you to join me in one of my classes.
You can find current and upcoming offerings here:👉 https://www.djsfiberarts.com/classes
Come curious.
Come open.
Come exactly as you are.
Warmly,
Deb
This really resonated with me. You are so inspiring. I shared this with my quilting/art friends. I hope that is OK.
"This philosophy isn’t tied to one medium. It moves with me — whether I’m working with fiber, paint, stitching, or surface design.
It’s a reminder that we don’t need to label ourselves by materials or techniques.
I’m not a fiber artist
I'm not a weaver.
I’m not a painter.
I’m a creator."