What a beautiful post! I step out almost every morning whilst the kettle is on the hob to sniff deeply of the fresh crisp air, and almost every night before going to bed. A good way to start and end the day. I wear patchouli everyday, and have since I was 15 as well - it was the smell of our teen years wasn't it? I have had complete strangers cross a room to tell me how much they love that scent and how in a moment they were thrown back to their youth. Somehow that brings me joy!
Oh, I re-read your post several times Heather. So, so lovely! You brought your outside world alive on the page with your obvious love of nature! I try to walk each day through our semi-rural small neighbourhood, breathing in the scent of the dormant trees, just melting dirt and often stop and listen to the crows who make such incredible sounds. I also sometimes pick what my daughter refers to as "ditch posies", small branches of dried weeds and flowers. They bring me joy in winter!
Although it was only my sight reading this essay, I couldn't help but include my other senses during your oh-so-beautiful descriptions! Thank you Heather for a lovely start to this day <3
I struggle with not feeling “good enough” as an artist. I am drawn to a number of crafts and my skill level is pretty good. But I think why would people outside of family be interested in my collage.?
Most of my work has been done as personal gifts with personal photos. What appeals to collectors?
Items tailored to the recipients interests. I’m learning to play..hard for me. I appreciate any thoughts or insights. Glad the site will continue to inspire people like me!
Hi Debra ! You have some very important questions..It sounds like you are content with your art making (yea!)yet wish to bring more of it out to the world with the intention of selling your art. if you have a moment to check out some of the posts from this last year in my archive of artistjetpack.substack .com-I have written a few newsletters where I have focused on these issues. I think first of all developing your confidence as an artist is very significant ..An initial step might be to discover a way to show your art to others outside your family/friends network . It can feel like a bit nerve wracking at first to show your art publically -whether online to others.. or in a local art show /fair/exhibition -but this kind of feedback will help propel you forward and inform you who responds to your art -and what art specifically is appealing to others.
This is a huge topic! Perhaps you have given me a reason to revisit some of these concerns (you are not alone!)
I love to hear you are learning to play..I hope you continue to do so!! It can be comforting to learn that everything we make does not need to be a polished end product. Thanks for your questions and thoughts.
I’m sorry I didn’t see this to reply to before! I do follow your posts. I’m a big fan!
Everyone seems to want to commercialize .. even. considering myself a crafter instead of an artist I feel pressure to “be” something. Hard habit to break.
Your writing this morning reminds me of a recent sensory experience. I'm here in Brooklyn, NY so brushes with nature, however brief, are precious. On this sunny day as I was walking down a tree-lined street, I heard a burst of chirping coming from the trees above. I couldn't help but think that it was these birds, probably sparrows, were in competition with each other for which orchestra has the best song.
What a beautiful post! I step out almost every morning whilst the kettle is on the hob to sniff deeply of the fresh crisp air, and almost every night before going to bed. A good way to start and end the day. I wear patchouli everyday, and have since I was 15 as well - it was the smell of our teen years wasn't it? I have had complete strangers cross a room to tell me how much they love that scent and how in a moment they were thrown back to their youth. Somehow that brings me joy!
Thank you Patti!
Oh, I re-read your post several times Heather. So, so lovely! You brought your outside world alive on the page with your obvious love of nature! I try to walk each day through our semi-rural small neighbourhood, breathing in the scent of the dormant trees, just melting dirt and often stop and listen to the crows who make such incredible sounds. I also sometimes pick what my daughter refers to as "ditch posies", small branches of dried weeds and flowers. They bring me joy in winter!
Thank you Nora !Those small moments communing with nature can give back so much !
Although it was only my sight reading this essay, I couldn't help but include my other senses during your oh-so-beautiful descriptions! Thank you Heather for a lovely start to this day <3
Thank you Jody ! I can imagine you experience many of your senses while exploring your neighbourhood with your most lovely canine companion :-)
I always just love your posts. They are full of feeling and compassion to the world around you. So heartwarming!
Thank you Lydia ! That's very kind -I aim for this!
I struggle with not feeling “good enough” as an artist. I am drawn to a number of crafts and my skill level is pretty good. But I think why would people outside of family be interested in my collage.?
Most of my work has been done as personal gifts with personal photos. What appeals to collectors?
Items tailored to the recipients interests. I’m learning to play..hard for me. I appreciate any thoughts or insights. Glad the site will continue to inspire people like me!
Hi Debra ! You have some very important questions..It sounds like you are content with your art making (yea!)yet wish to bring more of it out to the world with the intention of selling your art. if you have a moment to check out some of the posts from this last year in my archive of artistjetpack.substack .com-I have written a few newsletters where I have focused on these issues. I think first of all developing your confidence as an artist is very significant ..An initial step might be to discover a way to show your art to others outside your family/friends network . It can feel like a bit nerve wracking at first to show your art publically -whether online to others.. or in a local art show /fair/exhibition -but this kind of feedback will help propel you forward and inform you who responds to your art -and what art specifically is appealing to others.
This is a huge topic! Perhaps you have given me a reason to revisit some of these concerns (you are not alone!)
I love to hear you are learning to play..I hope you continue to do so!! It can be comforting to learn that everything we make does not need to be a polished end product. Thanks for your questions and thoughts.
I’m sorry I didn’t see this to reply to before! I do follow your posts. I’m a big fan!
Everyone seems to want to commercialize .. even. considering myself a crafter instead of an artist I feel pressure to “be” something. Hard habit to break.
When I consciously stretch and feel the pull of my muscles and the movement of my body I also experience the sensations you have described. Lovely!
I'm happy to hear the post resonated for you Barb -it's amazing what a difference it makes when we pay attention to these sensations !
Your writing this morning reminds me of a recent sensory experience. I'm here in Brooklyn, NY so brushes with nature, however brief, are precious. On this sunny day as I was walking down a tree-lined street, I heard a burst of chirping coming from the trees above. I couldn't help but think that it was these birds, probably sparrows, were in competition with each other for which orchestra has the best song.
I love that you responded to the birds' song -and recalled that moment Indigene!