The set of ‘tools’ I repeatedly use in all my creative endeavors are my hands. I don’t often think about them as tools, but they are an integral part of the process when I create. Examining them closely, I see all the wrinkles, close to the surface veins, unkempt nails, and emerging age spots. Working with clay takes a beating on my hands, but for me it is well worth the trade off.
Examining any aspect of our life or body part close-up can lead to a negative focus. Minute details that are blown up and out of proportion can hang heavy and make us lose sight of the big picture. It can even go a step further when we compare those attributes to someone else and think others are better.
Today is the start of the Jewish New Year called Rosh Hashanah. It is an important start to the religion’s high holy days of atonement ending with fasting for Yom Kippur. It is a time to reflect, offer forgiveness and move forward. I like that idea and believe it is an opportunity for all of us (even non-practicing Jews) to think about and contemplate because we are all in this world together. Saying we’re sorry for what we’ve done wrong, hoping to do better next time and offering forgiveness to ourselves and others is a good goal.
I attended the opening of a group show at Frederick Community College this past weekend. I'm one of six incredible female artists; the assembly of our art envisioned by the show's curator, Margaret Hluch is a testament to the vastness of creativity and artistry in our world. If you live nearby, take the trip to see it over the next month. You will be glad you did!
For now, I'm thankful my hands help me express me.