The loom arrived in crates. In an attempt to follow the assembly plan in half a day I nearly lost all my religion. My efforts did not resemble a loom. I noticed what made sense when the thin paper plans were reversed, so I taped the instructions to the glass patio door facing backwards.
The loom went together and I finished it for the person I loved. Money would not have bought my time. I guarantee it.
Cloth poured from the loom. Cotton, wool, flax, and linen went in straight to the clickety-clack of the weaver’s creative rhythm and the machine made cloth one row at a time.
There was hand woven cloth for useful linens, and warm blankets, and lovely patterns the fulfillment of the basic necessities for clothing and for Art. The weaver and the loom put food on the table, brought happiness to the home, and bonded people together in the community one at a time.
Before there was cloth there were fibers. Before the fibers were the plants and the animals all in some way making the raw materials for cloth. Before the plants and animals were their tiny invisible genes.
Genes have the double-helix which is composed of four parts repeating, woven together to make a protein like a loom makes cloth.
A weaver makes cloth, but actually transforms what was there all along like an alchemist weaving proteins into tweed.
I smile and keep drawing. After about a second, because I don’t want to lose the moment, I give them a pad and some pencils.
But you just said your could. Give yourself this little gift, this precious time. Draw!
Some of the materials I favor are readily available at most office supply shops or even pharmacies. I chose them for that reason–wide availability.
Among my supplies I have A4 (8.5 x 11) paper in white and a few colors, some A6 (4 x 6) plain index card stock, a few color pencils, #2 pencils, and blank journal books.
Then I scoop up my satchel and get busy.
I have fears. I think this is common among us humans. Perhaps that is why we crave the created beings with “super-powers” so universally. The sources I cite are our myths and legends as much as a nod to modern creators around the world.
These Super-Beings have flaws, just as I do. I so-identify with their weaker bits. One observation I made early in my reading, even at their weakest they do not quit. They command their fear and they overcome.
Art has a major villain is Fear. It is crippling.
Beginnings I fear the most….
What if no one likes what I make?
That is that “mess” supposed to be?
Fear makes Artists “settle”, take fewer risks, make a cocoon and wrap up in it knowing, “I knew I couldn’t make it as an Artist.” So the tools and materials are put up in a cupboard where dust can collect and a comfortable forgetfulness settles.
I propose to laugh in my fears. Laughing at fear is a great way to begin an Art session.
And, Laugh for 45 seconds.
Now after a minute and a half I am on my way to being my Art.
Being my Art? Right, I used to consider my Art as separate from me, Art is something I do. Art is me, my spirit, my mind and its eye, my joy, and my hope. I guard so my Art is not my fear.
Laugh at fear. My Art is my Super-Power.
with no one else present, just a friend, the wind, and wide open spaces.
So what is the “how-to” of this?
See how far you can take your day-dream. Better yet see how it can take you.
All it needs is a little nudge.