I stopped making things for a period of time in my life...right around high school and on into my 20's. I dabbled here and there...but nothing ever stuck. Probably because whatever I tried never worked out how I wanted it to.
In my 30's I was home with two little boys. I wanted a way to make some extra money...and I wanted it to be creative. I ended up sewing pillows and making signs out of old fence boards to sell in a rented booth at a local craft mall. I really liked it. It was fun...and it was a nice way to make a little grocery money. It also made me feel like me.
After a while, things got weird at the craft mall. The owner made some really bad choices...and eventually it closed down. No more craft booth...
I ended up finding some amazing art groups online...mainly collage groups. I began cutting and pasting again...and felt like I was finding my self even more...I was 4 again, and I was listening to that artist I'd forgotten about so long ago.
For spiritual reasons, I had to let go of my connection to these online art groups. I was making art for MY glory...and not for the glory of God. I needed to take some time to realize that the only reason I AM creative is because God gave me that gift...the gift of artistic expression. And since it was from Him, it needed to be for Him.
In the meantime, someone gave me a camera. She just gave it to me. A Canon...35 mm...film. I was elated...I'd always loved photography...but had never really given it a try. Now was my chance. I took lots of photos...well, as many as I could afford. Film is expensive. You KNOW I was thrilled when the digital cameras came out...and became affordable. I got one for my birthday 4 years ago...and I haven't looked back.
At the beginning of the year I decided to try my hand at paper clay. I made some little heads that were fun...and the dolls that you see in the photo above. Recently I took a watercolor class with mom. And then I went and bought a few beginner's supplies to continue experimenting with watercolor painting. I have drawing pencils and drawing paper. Moleskine journals just waiting to be filled with creativity of one sort or another. I have piles of fabric and a quilters cutting mat waiting to be utilized and turned into a quilt...or something. I am not picky when it comes to the medium of choice...I love so many.
And can I just say...I love graph paper. Nothing like laying out a garden design on graph paper and embellishing it with colored pencil. Ever since I was...7 or 8 I have loved to look at floor plans...I wanted to be an architect for a time. (Should have followed through with that...) I still love to look at floor plans to this day. One of my favorite parts of the design class I took a few years back was drawing out the floor plan of my Dream Home. I enjoyed that part more than I did selecting the fabrics and furniture and window coverings!
Not sure where this post is going (or where it went, I should say)...or even where it started. This is my creativity in a nut shell...scattered, all over the place, rabbit trails...but that's OK...that's the good thing about art and creativity...there are no rules. Some people might say there are. But I disagree. Maybe some guidelines...but even those are optional. Art and creativity are a free expression of what's inside of us. And if you turn it into a bunch of rules...you take away what it's all about in the first place.
Creativity...it's a part of me. Always has been... Always will be...in one form or another.
7 comments:
I think it is all very wonderful. I never felt as if I was creative. I spent my youth outside in a barn - really, riding horses and such. Now, I wish I could just sit down and create. Something I am working on.
I have loved everything you have made.
Every few years (or months) I move on to something new (art) I love that... Being creative never gets boring... that's for sure :)
I loved reading about your creative journey. Mine has stopped and started in lurches- not very graceful, that's for sure. I often wonder when or if I'll lurch forward again and what it will look like.... Your dolls are precious.
So fun to read this about you M, ...maybe one day you'll get back into it. I really enjoy your images, you are so talented.
I believe that when the Bible says we were created "in His image" that means we also have the desire to create. Think of how much pleasure it gives us to create and then imagine how it pleased Him to form and put together all of Creation! Stupendous!
I love graph paper! A new notebook is something that brings me pleasure, especially if it's graph paper. I too love looking at floor plans and I have created at least a dozen plans for my someday house. I love coming up with different ideas for it.
I really enjoyed reading this. I like the way you write, it's easy and enjoyable to read. I feel a lot like you do. I'm not a talent creator but I always feel torn with a strong desire to create.
And that Erma Bombeck quote you have at the top of the page. This is the second time I've seen it today and it's been on my mind all day long. I love it and always loved her writings too.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Be blessed...Tracy :)
Post a Comment