Forgetting Myself
And all the good it does me
There is this thing that happens when I’m working on something I love- I forget myself. There is a feeling of getting out of the way of the work, where I am responding to the materials and the emotions bubbling up from within me. It is a wonderful place where time stands still and races forward all at once, where I surrender to the flow of the work and am more of a witness than a director. This is also how I teach.
This last weekend, I taught a kiln building workshop. I directed 10 students in building a gas kiln that will be used as a soda kiln at Burnish Clay Studio in Bellingham. As the workshop started, I told the students that building a kiln is a joyous community experience where everyone’s voice is heard, and while we understand the basic concepts of physics surrounding kiln building and firing, we are also listening to what the bricks tell us as we arrange them to create the kiln. We got the old kiln torn down and the new one built, for the most part, within the span of about 3 days. It was wonderful, with a lot of on-the-spot problem solving and everyone taking turns on the various tools we implemented to build the kiln.
At the end of the workshop one of the participants went out of their way to thank me for running a workshop where everyone had a say, where everyone was encouraged to take care of their bodies first, and where the end product was one of a truly collaborative effort.
This is the thing about getting out of the way, it gives you the gift of other people’s magic. It is such a treat to watch people gain confidence and see themselves in a whole new light. This for me is a much more gratifying experience than being in charge could ever deliver.
Up and Coming
This week I’m working on getting ready for a couple shows I have coming up. If you’re in the area, I would love to see you. I have some very special holiday gifts, one-time-only things I’m making that are especially appropriate for our current unpleasant situation.
November 30 at L and L Libations from 10 am to 3 pm I will be selling various wares along with some other fantastic makers.
December 7 at Bloedel Donovan Park from 10 am to 4 pm with some long-time local craftspeople.
Things I Love
I have four brothers, I’m very lucky to say that I love all of them. Very much.
Have a very good week. I’m traveling next week so I won’t be writing a newsletter. Until then, don’t let the bastards grind ya down.
Sara