Our creativity is an vital part of ourselves, our wellbeing and the way we present ourselves to the world. It is, indeed, very precious and in some ways, depending on your beliefs, sacred.
My lecture, titled Scared Cloth, Textiles of Faith centres around how different religious and cultural groups use cloth as part of their rituals, within their buildings and as clothing. I also discuss how we can honour the cloth that most of us use, wear and create with…one of these days I’ll offer the lecture as an open-to-all presentation.
Which brings me to consider my work/studio space. I am fortunate that my studio is about 15 minutes from my home (my home is too small for the kind of work I do) so the act of leaving home and driving to the studio is time to decompress, relax and refresh my mind. I think about the tasks ahead, mentally reviewing what I want to work on and giving myself encouragement and focus. If I worked from home it could be time for mediation, stretching or practising mindfulness.
When I get to the studio and unlock the door, I envision the actions as unlocking my creativity and honouring the art making ahead. My space serves as a sanctuary where my imagination and skills intertwine, giving birth to exciting ideas and boundless creativity. I find solace when I am sad, joy when I am successful with my work and encouragement when I waiver.
As I walk through the door, I quietly say a thankful prayer, ask for good outcomes and a sense of protection over my creative spirit. Possibilities for others might be a simple mantra or sentence, a thought or reaching for a favourite and familiar piece of art. This is an acknowledgment of the gift of creativity and the ability to be in my space. It is also a way of honouring my art and giving it the respect it deserves.
I have a little studio angel that was my gift to my mother when I was about 5 years old, she has a place of honour and I feel a strong connection to someone who left the world far too soon. I know that she would support the woman, artist and mother that I have become.
As well, when entering my studio, it is a way to disconnect from the distractions of the outside world and fully immerse myself in my creating. I want to connect with my art, have conversations even arguments and know that a part of myself has flowed through in the simple act of honouring my studio.
And, just one more thing…when preparing to end my studio time, I do a general tidy, wash brushes, put paints away and prep for the next time. These actions are a way of closing that sacred time, reentering the present and being a step ahead for my next studio time.
Then out the door and back into the world.
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