Ann wood blog

The sensation of an idea percolating in the background is my most favorite thing in all the world.

Anna wood

The day stitch book project has the percolation phase built in. The formula is: work on a problem and then give your subconscious a crack at it. After I add my stitches each day my brain keeps working on it — feeling for the next move. Repeat this enough and new connections form. You get better at listening to yourself. Better at pulling out the deeper ideas.

This is the fourth stitch book and my pattern has been pretty consistent — days 1- 3 are more feeling around, less intensely thoughtful. On days 4 and 5 I solve the problem.

Ann wood paintings

Or try to anyway. I do love having a problem to solve. Even when I fail I get tons of new insight, information and ideas. And what exactly is a success? Something that feels balanced, energetic and compelling. The sensation of getting out of my own way. Getting someplace new.