Jul 26, 2012

creative inspiration

I had a weird day today.  Someone I know had commented several times on my 'nana' like hobbies.  My sewing, knitting, crocheting, gardening etc.  Ok on the outside it looks bad but this creative urge has always been a part of me and quite frankly a lot of the time it keeps me sane.


My friends and family support and encourage my creative instincts but it bummed me out to think that to 'outsiders' I appear homely or oldfashioned.  It got me thinking about what a wonderful and supportive creative community we have online.  I read and agreed with Posie's post the other day and personally did vow to leave more comments on blogs.  I love it when people comment on my blog and I always try to respond, providing of course you aren't a 'no reply' blogger.  


So this afternoon I was roaming around on Instagram and I came across Alex Falkiner, an artist from NSW.  She had posted an image of a Catalogue from a Crafts Council Exhibition at the V&A in London.  I was completely struck by the words I read in the image, written by the guest curator Daniel Charny:

Making is the most powerful way that we solve problems, express ideas and shape our world.  What and how we make defines who we are, and communicates who we want to be.

For many people, making is critical for survival.  For others, it is a chosen vocation: a way of thinking, inventing and innovating.  And for some it is simply a delight, to be able to shape a material and say "I made that".  The power of making is that it fulfills each of these human needs and desires.

Those whose craft and ingenuity reach the very highest levels can create amazing things.  But making is something everyone can do.  The knowledge of how to make - both everyday objects and highly-skilled creations - is one of humanity's most precious resources.

These words struck a chord deep within me.  Specifically the part about making being critical for survival and the delight in being able to say "I made that".  So I looked around my home and saw my creativity everywhere and looked at all the things that I have made or that people I know have made and it brought me peace.

And I picked up my crochet hook and kept on creating.....

I hope you can all do the same too  :)

6 comments:

Doreen said...

I often wonder what people do with their lives if they don't make stuff. Always necessary for me (and I imagine you) to have several projects on the go. How lovely is it when you can say "I made it" and how lovely is it when your daughter hops off the plane wearing the cardi you made her. Keep crafting and making stuff..Nothing "nana"about that.

Leah said...

Making is good. I'd rather be making stuff than watching tv - and if other people can't see the value, then that's their problem.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy everything you do and don't worry about what one person says.
I have always created and it has opened a lot of doors for me.
I am never bored and always have someone to share my passion for my creative side.
And now wonderful for you to be able to be at home with your children and also being creative, to make tuneful things and the children will always remember.
I used to take my three sewing with me on every Monday and they still talk about it today as adults.

Anonymous said...

Gosh just read my post, it should read:

How not now

Useful not tuneful

Undsnia

Anonymous said...

Keep creating! Those of us who don't sew and knit are jealous of your skill! I'm not so handy with the needle and thread but totally get the need to have a creative outlet. Good for the soul.

Alex Falkiner said...

Mmmmm yes. Spot n isn't it. Making is a must do activity for me!

So important, thanks for sharing this great writing further!

X Alex

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