A True Sense of Order
August 11, 2013
Ponderings
Why do we, with all our yearning for the latest technology, for the clean and controlled, for the precise and permanent, find ourselves drawn to nature? I think John Burroughs has it right. For all the time we spend trying to control our world, I think we find true order and peace only in the random, cycling, uncontrollable but dependable elements in nature. Nature is where we are all from, and where we will return; and unlike anything we humans think up, is the one thing that always makes sense.
Awesomely Simple Creativity
April 20, 2013
Ponderings
The quote below came to mind when I got, for the third time in as many weeks, a kind note from a reader telling me how much they enjoy the blog even though they don’t always agree with what I say. I so enjoy these comments. It means people are stopping to think.
I certainly can’t claim that what I say is “right” or gospel in any manner. We are talking about art here–a subjective matter with many right answers. The fun part is actually being deemed “wrong” and having people stop to say so. It means that whatever was said, whatever was done, was interesting enough to make someone stop and consider. And at the end of the day, that is truly the purpose of art, even when (or especially when) the observer thinks it should have been done differently.
Art is a Level Field
April 14, 2013
Ponderings
This Sunday’s thought is rooted in a discussion I overheard while waiting in line at the store. This woman kept speaking of someone’s shortcomings, I think a co-worker. By the time I was checking out I surmised it was likely someone new at their job and this woman was wholly unforgiving of this person’s mistakes. It seemed to be the typical put down others use to elevate themselves when, in anyone else’s eyes, it doesn’t do that at all. However, helping a willing person learn and become better at whatever they need to do should raise both people in the eyes of any empathetic observer–the person helping because of their generosity and the person learning because of their openness to be taught.
We should always keep in mind that someone somewhere is probably better than you at any one thing you do. This is especially true in creative fields. But it’s not even that someone out there will do what you do better, but rather that they will do it differently. There’s no point in anyone thinking of any other artist as being above or below another. Art is a personal journey and the most productive path includes helping those that can learn from you, and you, without ego, willingly learning from those that know what you do not.
Higher Grounds
January 20, 2013
Inspirational Art
This quote brought two thoughts to mind. First, there has been a bit of chat on several fronts lately about criticism. It is really pointless and even unkind to give criticism that is of a purely negative nature, yet it’s not that uncommon for people to blurt such things out. If you have people like that around you, don’t listen and don’t keep them around. What you need are people that support you. They don’t always have to agree and they may not like something you’ve made but if they can tell you why and give suggestions, they are the ones that will help lift you and your work.
It also reminded me of the theme of the upcoming Synergy 3–Higher Ground. I can’t wait for this show. Being around the enthusiasm and creativity of so many dedicated polymer artists … talk about lifting one up! If you can manage it, you really should try to make it. It only happens every two years, so it will be your last chance to be among so many kindred souls for another couple years. Check out the details on the IPCA website.
Giving Yourself to the World
December 9, 2012
Ponderings
So, who here is making polymer gifts for family and/or friends? Ok … uh … maybe I should ask who isn’t …
I don’t have a lot of time this season, but the one thing I do always put time aside for is making gifts for as many people on my list as might appreciate them. I could just buy all my gifts, which would be tons easier and would take less time, but once you give of yourself, all other gifts just pale. The thing is, what you make is something that would never have existed if you were not on this earth. It is a reminder of who you are as well as being a little part of you that you are giving. How much more precious could a gift be?
Now, not everyone is able to create a little something of their own as gifts. If you have a gift giver who is having a hard time figuring out what to get their favorite creative polymer obsessed person, there is always the gift of inspiration in the form of a magazine. You can send a hint by forwarding this blog post, or send a link such as http://www.thepolymerarts.com/Subscribe.html. Issues and subscriptions also make great gifts for your own polymer friends. *grin* If you need anything special in the way of when to send gifted issues or would like a note included, just write me at sbray@thepolymerarts.com. I’m all for helping spread the holiday cheer in any way I can.
Why do we, with all our yearning for the latest technology, for the clean and controlled, for the precise and permanent, find ourselves drawn to nature? I think John Burroughs has it right. For all the time we spend trying to control our world, I think we find true order and peace only in the random, cycling, uncontrollable but dependable elements in nature. Nature is where we are all from, and where we will return; and unlike anything we humans think up, is the one thing that always makes sense.
Read MoreThe quote below came to mind when I got, for the third time in as many weeks, a kind note from a reader telling me how much they enjoy the blog even though they don’t always agree with what I say. I so enjoy these comments. It means people are stopping to think.
I certainly can’t claim that what I say is “right” or gospel in any manner. We are talking about art here–a subjective matter with many right answers. The fun part is actually being deemed “wrong” and having people stop to say so. It means that whatever was said, whatever was done, was interesting enough to make someone stop and consider. And at the end of the day, that is truly the purpose of art, even when (or especially when) the observer thinks it should have been done differently.
This Sunday’s thought is rooted in a discussion I overheard while waiting in line at the store. This woman kept speaking of someone’s shortcomings, I think a co-worker. By the time I was checking out I surmised it was likely someone new at their job and this woman was wholly unforgiving of this person’s mistakes. It seemed to be the typical put down others use to elevate themselves when, in anyone else’s eyes, it doesn’t do that at all. However, helping a willing person learn and become better at whatever they need to do should raise both people in the eyes of any empathetic observer–the person helping because of their generosity and the person learning because of their openness to be taught.
We should always keep in mind that someone somewhere is probably better than you at any one thing you do. This is especially true in creative fields. But it’s not even that someone out there will do what you do better, but rather that they will do it differently. There’s no point in anyone thinking of any other artist as being above or below another. Art is a personal journey and the most productive path includes helping those that can learn from you, and you, without ego, willingly learning from those that know what you do not.
Read More
This quote brought two thoughts to mind. First, there has been a bit of chat on several fronts lately about criticism. It is really pointless and even unkind to give criticism that is of a purely negative nature, yet it’s not that uncommon for people to blurt such things out. If you have people like that around you, don’t listen and don’t keep them around. What you need are people that support you. They don’t always have to agree and they may not like something you’ve made but if they can tell you why and give suggestions, they are the ones that will help lift you and your work.
It also reminded me of the theme of the upcoming Synergy 3–Higher Ground. I can’t wait for this show. Being around the enthusiasm and creativity of so many dedicated polymer artists … talk about lifting one up! If you can manage it, you really should try to make it. It only happens every two years, so it will be your last chance to be among so many kindred souls for another couple years. Check out the details on the IPCA website.
Read More
So, who here is making polymer gifts for family and/or friends? Ok … uh … maybe I should ask who isn’t …
I don’t have a lot of time this season, but the one thing I do always put time aside for is making gifts for as many people on my list as might appreciate them. I could just buy all my gifts, which would be tons easier and would take less time, but once you give of yourself, all other gifts just pale. The thing is, what you make is something that would never have existed if you were not on this earth. It is a reminder of who you are as well as being a little part of you that you are giving. How much more precious could a gift be?
Now, not everyone is able to create a little something of their own as gifts. If you have a gift giver who is having a hard time figuring out what to get their favorite creative polymer obsessed person, there is always the gift of inspiration in the form of a magazine. You can send a hint by forwarding this blog post, or send a link such as http://www.thepolymerarts.com/Subscribe.html. Issues and subscriptions also make great gifts for your own polymer friends. *grin* If you need anything special in the way of when to send gifted issues or would like a note included, just write me at sbray@thepolymerarts.com. I’m all for helping spread the holiday cheer in any way I can.
Read More
