Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quantity of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art. Frederic Chopin
I’ve been skipping around in my “ABC’s of Me” and finally got to “C.” As I’ve posted before, I’ve been attempting to hand make items whenever I can. In the past couple of years, it has been about exploring creative avenues. Now it has become more of a necessity. One reason of course is the economy. However, I’ve also found that I don’t want or need more “things.” In fact, those “things” take up too much space and energy and I am trying to weed out and re-purpose as much as possible. Given a choice between the mall and my writing/art/sewing room, I want my room. Trying to teach this value to a younger generation though is challenging ~ had I thrown away the televisions and home schooled I might’ve had a chance. For me, my creative room is magical…akin to Disney World. My youngest daughter isn’t there yet ~ she’s never seen my art room on any commercial. Interestingly, I’m not sure that it would have captured my attention either until the last few years. Before this creative path began, I did not consider myself an artist in any way and I thought it was simpler to buy a gift than to make one. Exploring creativity truly started once the tv no longer held my interest and I carved out times of solitude; then I was able to find out what I really enjoyed ~ which wasn’t the rush of the world or the glitz of storefronts. I am thankful for the luxuries of stocked grocery stores and clothing but I do believe that capitalism has its costs…one of which is right brain thinking, the heart of creativity [yes, I know there are many others but this isn’t a political blog:)
Are you experiencing overwhelm? A lack of time? A lack of inspiration? In what ways could you simplify your life so that you can LIVE your life?
(the candle pictured above is based off a project from Gauche Alchemy)
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI don't know what made me think you were no longer blogging. Today, I just thought I'd check in and here you are alive and well.
I like your topic on simplicity and I agree, there are things we can do to simplify. I'm trying not to buy things unless I absolutely need them. And, I seek more inner simplicity by enjoying quiet moments.
Nice to be back.