From Thought to Form

Anyone who knows me knows that I do--and have done-- a number of jobs; restaurant owner/manager/waitress/punching bag in Food Service, retail clerk, barista, cashier, personal assistant, data entry for a steel company with government contracts (they built Striker Tanks. Not my fav job lol),  Minutes writer for a small village's zoning board with craziness that would have put Lake Woebegone to shame, and owner of a remodeling company. None of these were--nor will they ever be--considered 'high  powered' jobs--most were pretty humble, but with just enough college to be over qualified for some and not enough college to qualify for others, these in between things are what you get.

Throughout the multitude of jobs I've held or created over the last 25 years here in Charlevoix there is one that has woven its  colorful,glittery ribbon though out the varied tapestry that would be my resume' -- Artist. Since before I can remember I have had a compulsion to CREATE. This has defined me, molded me, and shaped me-this need. However, not only did I fail every art class I took in grade schools but could not afford the classes while in college so I am a self taught hodge podge of whimsical folksy design. Over the years I have developed and refined a particular 'look' and style to my painting--usually on furniture-- but on a regular basis I will happily immerse myself in a new project, medium, or concept. In this way I have become fairly proficient in ceramics, soap making, candle making, jewelry making/beading/design, faux finishing, tile and mosaics,collage,folk art doll making,book binding, and photography-- to name a few :-) Some of these flights of fancy into creation were for the joy of it, some because I wanted some item or look and didn't have the money so I learned to do it myself.

What began as a personality trait (or defect depending on who you talk to LOL) has evolved into something so much more--this compulsion, this need to make-to create. It is a true spiritual drive wherein I can connect so deeply and fully with Spirit/The Divine/God/dess  that every project or creation becomes a prayer, a meditation, a homage to The Source. I have learned along this journey that all art is Sacred--from the Doodle on the kitchen notepad to the Masterpiece hanging in the museum.
And with this realization came one of my most adored and interesting clients who has a lovely spiritual store in my favorite city in all of the world. ......
 
I began by making soaps and herbals, progressed to Hoodoo Dolls (folksy magical poppets for a specific desire) and eventually took on a specific style of doll that this company is known for. The dolls represent specific spirits within a specific religious tradition and are quite particular to make--it has been a delightful learning experience into a religion and realm that I had only heard of in passing up until now. Along with the dolls and herbals Ms P and I have had great chats wherein she describes what she wants and I, in turn, bring that thought into form. This is my favorite part of being an Artist-- taking a client's desire and making it real. Over the years I have become quite good at this having worked with Interior Decorators, Builders, other Artists, and 'Plain Folks'. And Ms P is very very good at describing exactly what she wants and how it should look (she is a fantastic artist in her own right so it makes it all flow very nicely).

Last week Ms P approached me with a new doll line--a variation on the existing line but MORE.. more of  everything LOL!  I listened to what she had in mind, read the accompanying emails and instructions, had a fantastic visual-- and COULD NOT GET IT, and Still can't. Its driving me nuts! I have 3 samples that are almost there -- there are a few key details that are not right. I know what she wants, I can visualize it but I cannot seem to create it. I worked on one sample for over 8 hours yesterday and its just not right. I went to bed just exhausted and frustrated hoping that sleep would allow me a new thought or direction come morning but No.

As much as I hate to admit it I think I have become lazy. I have become used to being good at what I do and not having to really try too hard on multiple attempts-- I normally hit my my mark within the first 2 samples of any project.
Not this time.
So I think its time to take a day and listen to Spirit and try harder to hear what I'm supposed to be doing with this project. How do I best serve all parties by getting the image from head and heart to physical form. Because, really-- at the base of it all, isn't that what we ALL do?
Isn't that what LIFE is? Taking our thoughts and desires and manifesting them; the only difference is that I also use that skill to create pretty stuff :-)

So here's to a Day Off to let the image and idea gather steam and eventually form....