Years ago I was part of an 'Art Group'. It was an amazing time - I took the time, made time, found time, committed time, created new work, exhibited some of that work, all the while supported by and bonding with an amazing group of artists.
Last summer Marcy and I ran into Diane Ericson at the Farmer's Market. Diane introduced us to the very talented Denise Kester who happened to be in the same produce booth. I've known Denise's work for years and loved it so this was very exciting to get to meet her!
The result of this chance meeting was the decision to get together for dinner and just talk creativity. Time appeared to be an issue for all of us. So what did we do? We added something to our packed schedules - a block of time to make things together. First up was a day in Denise's studio to create and play. An amazing day!
It was so much fun to have an 'Art Group' again. (I highly recommend it) My turn next.
We are all so busy. Teaching, travel (I know Paris is tough), families, work... The date was scheduled and rescheduled. Finally they arrived for a day in my studio in June.
Studio was clean, surfaces clear. Paint and silkscreens at the ready. Fabric cut, other materials out and ready to go. The project was to make prayer flags.
I sometimes have a little 'performance anxiety' before I teach a class and this was no different, especially with 3 big-T Teachers in the room. I didn't need to worry. They took what I had, jumped in and began.
Silence reigned except for the occasional exclamation over some wonderful thing we saw happening. Hours of creative time flew by. Time actually became meaningless. I took some unexpected turns with my work very happily. Just wallowed in the creative flow loving every minute, even when the flow got stopped in an eddy.
Push off and keep going.
What do you love?
Last summer Marcy and I ran into Diane Ericson at the Farmer's Market. Diane introduced us to the very talented Denise Kester who happened to be in the same produce booth. I've known Denise's work for years and loved it so this was very exciting to get to meet her!
The result of this chance meeting was the decision to get together for dinner and just talk creativity. Time appeared to be an issue for all of us. So what did we do? We added something to our packed schedules - a block of time to make things together. First up was a day in Denise's studio to create and play. An amazing day!
It was so much fun to have an 'Art Group' again. (I highly recommend it) My turn next.
We are all so busy. Teaching, travel (I know Paris is tough), families, work... The date was scheduled and rescheduled. Finally they arrived for a day in my studio in June.
Studio was clean, surfaces clear. Paint and silkscreens at the ready. Fabric cut, other materials out and ready to go. The project was to make prayer flags.
I sometimes have a little 'performance anxiety' before I teach a class and this was no different, especially with 3 big-T Teachers in the room. I didn't need to worry. They took what I had, jumped in and began.
Silence reigned except for the occasional exclamation over some wonderful thing we saw happening. Hours of creative time flew by. Time actually became meaningless. I took some unexpected turns with my work very happily. Just wallowed in the creative flow loving every minute, even when the flow got stopped in an eddy.
Push off and keep going.
 |
| Marcy |
 |
| Diane |
 |
| Denise |
 |
| Moi |
"You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves."
From the poem 'Wild Geese' by Mary Oliver.
What do you love?
Katherine
Thank you Katherine, for this wonderful post. I am part of a book club-which really could be an art group. I think that is what I'll suggest. Thanks again for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun time, creating together, but each as one. I'm in between projects right now and want to try something new. I've never made prayer flags, and I'm wanting a summery decoration for my studio entrance, so that's where I'll start tomorrow. Who knows where I will end up? Not me!
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired just reading your post! Mary and Dixie, I wish the 3 of us lived closer - wouldn't we make a great sewing/art group? ;-D
ReplyDeleteKatherine , I love your inspiring blog.
ReplyDelete