Ingenuity
Unleashed
“The
possible's slow fuse is lit by the imagination.” Emily Dickenson
While
in Asheville, I visited the North Carolina Folk Art Center. Even in
the middle of the week, it was teeming with people. I spent over an
hour looking at all the wonderful art—quilts, sculptures, dolls,
pottery, wood, jewelry, iron-work, and more that I cannot remember.
First of all, it is a beautiful building and showcases the art with
perfect light and space, but for me, it is also a hot-bed of
possibility. I came away inspired by the great variety of human
ingenuity and imagination.
One
man was there working on hand-made, beautifully turned and finished
wood-handled brooms that he said would come in handy for Halloween.
They did look like something Harry Potter and his friends might ride.
Several large looms were set up with intricate patterns being woven
on them. Just the complicated warp and woof was fascinating. One
entire room was devoted to black and white creations and another to
historic pieces of art from the region's past.
Downtown
Asheville is also an art haven and last week several art festivals
were in session. The streets were crowded and shops displayed art of
every sort. I was enthralled by some purses I saw, made from carpet
and tapestry fabrics, and sewn in pyramid shapes and other,
non-symmetrical forms—very clever. I always lament when my
creations come out lop-sided, but there they would have been
'stylin'. Loads of wonky hats and socks and scarves hung in shops;
fingerless gloves, socks knitted from ropes of color, no two
matching, scarves made from felted-wool in strands of morning-glory
trumpets—who thinks of such things? Only humans.
I
came away with a dozen ideas to try. Now I can't wait to get back in
my sewing room and have at them. I love the way that ordinary folks,
given half a chance, can come up with the most ingenious, off the
wall, creations. The human mind, when engaged in the creative
process, is an amazing thing, indeed. What other creature could
imagine casting a 'cat-woman' from clay? Or carving birds out of pine
knots? Or creating a necklace from a wrench, complete with a
sapphire stud? Seriously?
I
hope your creative juices are flowing this Monday morning. Grab life
by the horns and go.
In
the spirit,
Jane
No comments:
Post a Comment