Category Archives: Creativity Companions

Who Encourages Whom

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One of my best creative companions is my husband Ned.  He understands the studio schedule.  He totes things here and there. He asks the piercing questions, such as “Is this the best use of your time?”  His help and perspective keep art flowing from the studio.

When Ned retired several years ago, he began art classes at Opus Oaks, a local school for arts.  With lessons, guidance, and encouragement, he has completed a handful of paintings.  He has been reluctant to submit them to shows, until Shenandoah Arts Council, our local council, planned an exhibition honoring the Opus Oaks school.

With some encouragement (cajoling) and help (shopping for a frame) from me, Ned submitted his work.  Later he proudly posed beside it for a photograph.IMG_20160422_130128259_HDR

Who encourages your creativity?  Whom do you encourage?

 

3 Patterns, 7 Colors, and 10 Women

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I led my first dyeing workshop this month.

10 good women braved a cold night to gather in a pottery studio to put their hands and minds to dyeing silk scarves.  After I demonstrated three fold and tie patterns, each participant received a scarf to manipulate and then color.  Here are their results.

Photo Jan 20, 1 18 33 PM

I discovered anew how much a teacher learns from the students.  Color and pattern are a universal delight!

Chiseling The Craft of Business

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There are many woodworkers on my family tree.  I have an appreciation for the medium and for the work.  It is my delight to have a local woodworker as a friend and business buddy.


Ron Light creates wood furniture and accessories here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.  About once a quarter we meet up in his workshop, a space with a view of the Blue Ridge that always distracts me until Ron offers me coffee. I get to preview his projects and then we get down to the talk.

Vendors, markets, price points.  We roll the topics around.  We question.  We disagree.  We suggest new products.  We share past experience. It is a pleasant process to keep ourselves in check.  I recommend this type of creative company for any self-employed maker of things and ideas.

Good conversation with Ron creates clarity for my work.  He is an excellent sounding board, as sure as the pieces he creates.  Learn more about him at lighthousewoodworking.com.