Category: Ramblings

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March: Celebrating Small Wins

This month, I’m focused on noticing and celebrating the small wins that often get overlooked. In a world that sometimes measures success by big, public milestones, I’m finding joy in the quieter victories that keep me moving forward.

Completing an unfinished piece of art, mentoring a student through their first creative breakthrough, or building raised beds the prepare for the next growing season—these moments might seem small on their own, but they build toward something much larger. Acknowledging them helps me stay motivated and connected to my goals.

One particularly meaningful experience these past months is seeing how our first residency artists at Sky Garden have settled into the space. Watching someone else find inspiration here, has affirmed my belief in the power of this creative community. And the resulting feedback has been helpful in refining Sky Garden programming and the compound itself

As I work toward the longer-term project, launching the paid residency programming, I’m learning to embrace patience and trust in the process. There’s something grounding about celebrating what’s already been accomplished rather than focusing solely on what’s ahead.

These reflections remind me to pause and appreciate the journey. Progress isn’t always dramatic; often, it’s the steady accumulation of small, meaningful steps.

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February: Building Structure into Creative Practice

Theda with Bottle Cap Pearls

This month, I’ve been focusing on the rhythms of my days, creating a structure that supports both productivity and joy. Balancing time between the studio, Sky Garden Gallery projects, and my commitments to Hidden Beach requires intentionality, but it’s rewarding to see everything coming together.

One thing I’ve found helpful is setting clear boundaries around my creative time. Mornings are now sacred for studio work. Whether I’m stitching, dyeing, or sketching, this uninterrupted time allows me to immerse myself in the process. Afternoons often shift to collaboration—mentoring residency artists or planning upcoming events, like our new Art Salon Dinner series.

Adapting to this structure hasn’t been without challenges. Some days flow effortlessly; others feel scattered. I’ve learned to be flexible and forgiving, recognizing that creativity isn’t always linear. Taking short breaks to walk Sky Garden STX or sit quietly under the canopy of the Saman tree often helps me reset.

This balance of structure and spontaneity has deepened my connection to my practice. I’m reminded that nurturing creativity is as much about showing up consistently as it is about staying open to inspiration when it comes.

As February ends, I feel grateful for the steady foundation I’m building. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t come from rushing toward goals but from weaving intention into the fabric of each day.

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I Keep Seeing 11, 1:11, and 11:11… EVERYWHERE

Have you ever caught yourself looking at the clock at just the right moment—11:11—or noticed 1:11 appearing on receipts, phone screens, or random places? Lately, these numbers have been showing up in my daily life with such consistency that I had to stop and reflect: What am I supposed to do with this message?

Understanding the Meaning

In numerology and spiritual traditions, repeating ones—11, 1:11, and 11:11—are often seen as signs of spiritual awakening, alignment, and manifestation. They serve as reminders that our thoughts, intentions, and actions are creating our reality. But beyond their meaning, what really matters is how we respond to these signs.

As an artist, I see the world in layers—meanings hidden beneath surfaces, waiting to be uncovered. When these numbers appear, I take them as cues to turn inward, realign with my purpose, and take intentional action in my life and creative practice.

Pause and Reflect

When I see 11:11, I take a deep breath. I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and ask: What am I feeling in this moment? These numbers are an invitation to step out of autopilot and check in with myself. Am I feeling aligned with my path? Am I honoring my creative spirit? Sometimes, this moment of stillness reveals exactly what I need to hear.

Refocus My Intentions

Numbers like 1:11 and 11:11 remind me that my thoughts shape my reality. If I’m caught in a spiral of doubt or worry, this is my signal to shift my mindset. Instead of asking “Why isn’t this working?” I ask, What small step can I take today to move forward? This shift in focus keeps me grounded and empowered.

Take Aligned Action

Receiving these signs means nothing if I don’t respond to them. When these numbers appear, I ask: What is one action I can take right now to honor this message? Maybe it’s picking up my sketchbook, reaching out to a friend, or simply choosing to trust myself. These numbers remind me that change happens through small, intentional choices.

Stay Open and Trust the Process

Sometimes, I don’t immediately understand why these numbers appear, and that’s okay. Not every message needs to be deciphered right away. Instead, I trust that I’m being guided, even if the path ahead isn’t fully clear. The key is to remain open—to inspiration, to possibility, to unexpected opportunities.

What’s Your Next Step?

If you’re seeing 11, 1:11, or 11:11, take it as a moment to pause, reflect, and realign. What is the universe asking you to notice? What step, no matter how small, can you take today? These numbers aren’t just signs—they are invitations to step more fully into who you are meant to be.

Have you been seeing these numbers too? How do you respond when they appear? Let’s talk about it! ✨

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January: Setting Intentions for a Creative Year

As the new year begins, I’m embracing the opportunity to focus on my creative practice and nurture meaningful projects here in the rainforest. This year feels like a chance to grow, not just as an artist but also as someone committed to honoring cultural heritage and community through my work.

I’ve started by grounding myself in clear intentions, aligning my daily routine with my long-term vision for Sky Garden STX. Each morning, I take time to reflect, write, and plan, ensuring that my efforts stay purposeful. Whether I’m in the studio, collaborating with others, or tending to the Provision Ground ruins, every action connects back to what I hope to achieve.

What helps me most is breaking down big ideas into small, actionable steps. For example, I’ve mapped out time to explore new techniques and complete works, while also dedicating space for developing my property to host artist residents and community workshops. By focusing on what I can do each day, I feel less overwhelmed and more connected to my goals.

This month, I’ve been reminded of the importance of patience and adaptability. Progress doesn’t always look the way we imagine, but it’s the consistency in showing up for our craft that makes the difference. For me, even small victories—a finished piece, a moment of inspiration, a new flower bud, or a thoughtful conversation—are worth celebrating.

As I move forward, I’m committed to taking intentional steps and letting the process unfold naturally, in it’s own time. I hope this inspires you to reflect on what’s meaningful to you this year and to take those first steps toward your own vision.

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Thank You: To My Unstoppable Network of Creative ChampionsThank You Enablers

Art is never a solo journey. It’s a collaboration—a tapestry of moments, materials, and connections woven together by the generosity and resourcefulness of so many. Today, I want to pause and extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has played a part in keeping my art alive and thriving.

To the tireless hands and watchful eyes that have rescued abandoned shopping carts from dumpsters, gathered marine debris from beaches, and collected bottle caps, pull tabs, bread tabs, and corks—I see you. Your efforts do more than clean the planet; they infuse my art with purpose, grounded in your very essence.

To those who’ve rummaged through estate sales, dug deep into dumpsters, and thoughtfully passed along linens and other treasures—you don’t just fill my art supply bins; you ignite my imagination. Every item you’ve rescued carries a story, a potential waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary.

You are more than contributors; you are co-creators. Each time I knot, weave, or wrap these materials into new forms, I feel your dedication and your belief in the beauty of reinvention. Your efforts remind me that art isn’t just about the final piece—it’s about the community that makes it all possible.

Together, we are giving new life to what was once discarded. We are proving that beauty can emerge from the overlooked and forgotten. Thank you for being the stewards of this vision, for believing in the power of transformation, and for supporting me in ways that are both tangible and deeply meaningful.

Here’s to cleaning the planet, filling my bins, and keeping the creative spark alive. I couldn’t do this without you.

With love and immense gratitude, Theda

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Racism = 1mm of Skin

“Racism is one millimeter of skin.” This phrase has been resonating in my mind recently. It’s such a simple, yet powerful statement about the absurdity of prejudice—how something as superficial as the color of our skin has been used to divide, categorize, and dehumanize people for centuries.

One millimeter. That’s how thin the barrier is between us. Beneath that tiny, fragile layer, we are all made of the same flesh, bone, and spirit. Yet, historically, societies have built entire systems around that minuscule difference, elevating one group while oppressing another, just because of a variation in melanin.

I think about this often, especially as an artist whose work digs deep into history, memory, and identity. When you consider how much of human potential, creativity, and connection has been lost or warped due to racism, it feels overwhelming. How could something so small—so biologically insignificant—be the root of so much pain, hatred, and injustice?

But this phrase also gives me hope. If racism is just one millimeter of skin, then the truth of our shared humanity is always right there, just beneath the surface. The work we do, whether in art, activism, or everyday life, peels away that layer, revealing the sameness that lies underneath. By recognizing this, we can begin to dismantle the structures of racism and build something more equitable, something that honors the depth of who we truly are, beyond appearances.

As an artist, I feel it’s part of my responsibility to highlight this—to create works that speak to that deeper connection, that challenge the notion that skin color should determine worth. And every time I create, I’m peeling back that one millimeter, layer by layer, hoping that others will join me in this slow, necessary process of seeing beyond the surface.

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Register for 11/20 Textile Talk

LEARN & MAKE WITH SDA, PART 2
Textile Talk

With Lisa Klakulak, Theda Sandiford, Maggie Hensel-Brown, and Youngmin Lee
Wednesday, November 20, 2pm EST (convert time zone)
Spanning across media and disciplines, Surface Design Association is proud to present its Spring 2025 online workshop series! Join in to hear from four workshop instructors, Lisa Klaulak on wet felting, Theda Sandiford on incorporating found and upcycled materials into textiles, Maggie Hensel-Brown on lacemaking, and Youngmin Lee on bojagi.
Help us celebrate the many techniques and materials used in the field of fiber arts and get a sneak peek at SDA’s 2025 workshops! 

REGISTER NOW
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Fibre Arts Takes Two: Friday Feature Artist Theda Sandiford


Theda Sandiford is a Conceptual Materials Social Practice Artist who uses everyday objects—like zip ties, bottle caps, and marine debris—to explore themes of equity, inclusion, and microaggressions. Her art draws on her lived experiences and challenges societal biases, using materials that reflect resilience and transformation. The “Blackity Black Blanket,” a prominent piece, uses zip ties woven into fishing nets, symbolizing both softness and discomfort to represent the persistent “poking” of microaggressions. Sandiford’s work often delves into the subtle, often unintentional, racial biases that marginalized people face daily, such as backhanded compliments or prejudiced behaviors. She encourages awareness and mindfulness of these microaggressions, advocating for empathy and a deeper understanding of others’ experiences. Her installations, inspired by marine waste and personal artifacts, invite viewers to engage with challenging conversations around stereotypes and bias, using her art to spark dialogue and reflection on societal issues.

Discover more about Theda Sandiford’s remarkable journey and the stories behind her work in her interview with Fibre Arts Take Two. You can read the full interview here.

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National Leaders of Color Fellowship Deadline Approaching

The National Leaders of Color Fellowship (LoCF) is accepting Mid Atlantic region applications through Sunday, October 13th! LoCF is a transformative leadership development experience curated by WESTAF in order to establish multicultural leadership in the creative and cultural sector. By partnering with the other United States Regional Arts Organizations (USRAOs) the program has expanded nationwide and its mission has become a national endeavor.

Mid Atlantic Arts is pleased to provide support for the Fellows from the 10 states, territories, districts, and commonwealth’s that make up our region – DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, PR, USVI, VA, and WV.

The Fellowship will take place completely online, typically from late fall through early summer of the subsequent year. During this no-cost eight-month Fellowship, fellows receive access to specialists in the field, strategic learning objectives determined to deepen thought on anti-racist and culturally-oriented leadership practices, and national-level network and cohort building. Upon completion of this program, participants transition to alumni status and have opportunities to collaborate with the USRAO in their region as advisors, funding panelists, and/or other professional capacities.

Learn more and apply

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In the Rain’s Embrace

Rain falls on high, where the hawk flies, Bathing its feathers under wide, open skies. In droplets pure, its wings find grace, Nature’s gentle touch in a quiet embrace.

The storm above, fierce and wild, Meets the hawk’s strength, unbeguiled. With every drop, a song of the free, A cleansing hymn for you and me.

For in the rain, the hawk stands tall, Finding solace in the sky’s gentle call. Through clouds and storms, it soars unchained, In the rain’s caress, its spirit sustained.

Poem by Theda Sandiford
Liquid Ice Detail
Liquid Ice Detail 2