From Bits and Pieces to Confident Composition: Diane Burch’s Artistic Journey with Fibre Arts Take Two
Diane Burch has always been a maker. From childhood, she stitched, created, and repurposed materials—an instinct born from necessity and nurtured into a lifelong passion. But despite her deep love for fibre arts, Diane found herself struggling with composition and confidence in her work. That all changed when she discovered The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage with Donna Watson, a course that profoundly reshaped her artistic practice.
The Challenge: A Pile of Unfinished Pieces
Before joining Donna Watson’s course, Diane was in a creative rut. “I was making and making and making all these bits,” she recalls, “but they weren’t going anywhere. They just piled up in my studio.” She lacked the confidence to assemble them into a cohesive composition, leaving her with an overwhelming collection of unfinished work.
Her challenges weren’t just technical. Diane also faced a sense of isolation. “I had a lack of connection with other artists over so many years,” she says. With a busy home life and limited local opportunities, she longed for meaningful artistic interaction and guidance.
Finding Her Way with The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage
Diane’s turning point came when she enrolled in The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage. She had previously taken Donna Watson’s The Essence of Identity, which planted the seeds of self-reflection and intention in her practice. And when she saw her new course The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage it truly resonated with her artistic soul.
“It just spoke to me so deeply that I had to do it,” Diane shares. “Donna’s approach to composition is so simple yet effective. It gave me the tools I needed to put pieces together in a way that finally made sense.”
Through Donna’s teachings, Diane gained a new perspective on contrast, unity, and balance—elements she hadn’t fully understood before. “I had all these very similar pieces and wondered why they wouldn’t go together. Donna helped me see that I needed contrast in colour, shape, and line. That was a real breakthrough for me.”
A Newfound Confidence
One of Diane’s proudest moments came when one of her pieces was chosen for the front cover of the exhibition catalogue. “It was such a surprise,” she says. “I felt honoured, but more than that, it was a moment of validation—maybe I can do this.”
The impact of Donna’s course extended beyond a single piece of work. Diane’s confidence in her ability to create meaningful compositions has grown tremendously. “I’ve taken collage on board much more, and I’ve started making my own surfaces again,” she explains. “I’m also exploring how to merge my love for textiles with my jewellery-making practice.”
The Power of Community and Online Learning
Diane credits Take Two for providing her with not only exceptional courses but also a welcoming and supportive environment. “The generosity, kindness, and uplifting presence of the whole team has been incredible. Through lockdown, when things felt dark, discovering these courses and this community was truly life-changing.”
The accessibility of online learning has been a game-changer for Diane. “I no longer have to travel miles.... I can learn from world-class artists from the comfort of my home.”
What’s Next?
With her newfound confidence, Diane has also been exploring another exciting chapter—Claire Benn’s Beyond Technique and the Tier Two mentorship programme. “I never would have had the confidence to apply for Tier Two before,” she admits. “I honestly thought I wouldn’t get in. But here I am, ready to push myself even further.”
Advice for Future Students
For anyone considering a Fibre Arts Take Two course, Diane has one simple piece of advice: “Just go for it. They are absolutely wonderful.”
Her neighbour recently expressed interest in signing up for a course, and Diane didn’t hesitate to encourage her. “She’s been keeping an eye on Fibre Arts Take Two, and I told her, ‘Don’t hesitate. Just do it.’”
Diane’s journey is a testament to the power of the right guidance, a supportive community, and the willingness to embrace new possibilities. With each course, she continues to grow, create, and refine her unique artistic voice—one beautifully composed piece at a time.
About The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage
Whether you’re a seasoned collage artist or looking to find a new medium, The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage is designed to stimulate your creativity and help you break new ground. "No matter where you are in your artistic journey, you're going to learn something new in this workshop," assures Donna.
Aligned with the wabi-sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in the impermanent and imperfect, this course encourages you to embrace each artistic challenge. Donna champions the unexpected lessons found in imperfection. These experiences aren't just about correcting errors; they're about the rich, educational journey each mistake creates.
The Way of Wabi Sabi Collage is ideal for creatives eager to learn about wabi-sabi philosophy and how they can introduce elements and methods into their art practice. All while finding your own voice and identity through your content and artwork.
