James Otter
I was reading this book recently - Do/Make - the power of your own two hands, written by James Otter. James designs and makes wooden surfboards by hand and this book is about making. It was an enjoyable read and validating about how important making is; and just how good using your hands is for your soul and your mental health.
That aside, this quote did grab me as I was going through the process of downsizing and decision making about what to keep and what to let go of.
It proved an excellent reminder about re-using and re-imagining. Re-imagining has become a big part of my vocabulary of late and a real touchstone as I move into a new phase of making. Sometimes we can all get excited by the new thought, the new direction, the new materials, the new techniques... and off we go and pursue it for a bit. That might mean buying more paper, a different brush, a set of inks and so on.
As I looked around the studio space as I packed up I realised there were plenty of half-prepped or partially done or saved for a later date packets of things sitting around waiting for their turn, and I promised myself that I would select the ones that had real potential, and take them with me, and work with them before I set off to accrue more things.
I think there is also wisdom in the notion of non-accrual. Of not getting more. Of understanding and accepting the word 'enough'.
So I am not going to get distracted by shiny new things whether they are courses, ideas, techniques or materials for a little while. I am going to sit with my things and re-imagine them...
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