comfort in creativity | part 2
Full Moon | Delta Venus
A few weeks ago in the first post of this comfort in creativity series, I spoke about the importance of creativity in crisis.
Shortly after social distancing measures were put in place & creative industries were drastically affected, I reached out to a few creative individuals to ask them how they're dealing with the current situation, & how their creative practice is helping them through it.
Personally, I have taken this time to focus on putting my creative workshops online. Once these become available, they will surely keep you busy & feeling good whilst you're staying home. With online tutorials hosted by me & a kit with all the tools & leather panels required, you'll be able to make your own piece of simétrie from the comfort of your home. Make sure you're signed up the newsletter to be first to know when my online workshops will be released. There will be only 10 kits available to start with, so you'll need to get in quick!
This week in the series we hear from artist Delta Venus, jeweller Elizabeth Herman from Argent Silversmith, & weaver Rachel Wood from Wunder Weave. I am in awe of all their beautiful works, & equally so by their responses to these challenging times. I hope they are as heartwarming for you to read as they were for me.
~ simone x
Delta Venus - Visual Artist & Poet
What are you doing differently now that the social distancing laws are in place?
Really, really slowing down. Being more gentle with myself and everything I do which has meant a lot more space for play and exploration. I am one of the lucky few who already work from home and spend the majority of my time in isolation-esque circumstances. Now with social distancing laws in place, I am reminded of the difficulties I encountered when I first began working from home for myself. In turn, I am reminded of all of the coping mechanisms and systems I put into place to support myself and my process in this lifestyle. Now I am trying to share some of these systems with others in hopes I can help them move through this space with as little resistance as possible.
How has your creativity or craft fuelled this change?
Creativity is like air for me at the moment. With a real slow down on paid work, I am presented with a vastness of time where I don't have to do anything in particular. These huge periods of time create a space for a lot of emotion and thought to arise. My creativity is allowing me to process all of that emotion and still feel as though I am contributing to a world outside of me.
What positive message do you think will come from this crisis?
We are all so deeply connected to one another and we can't go on living as though we are not. This crisis has really highlighted how much of our lives we share without even realising it. I am hoping our sense of community is really cemented moving out of this. Despite the physical distance, I have never been closer to my neighbours. I guess that's the beauty of shared experience and we are witnessing that on a global level right now. Unity.
How do you find inspiration during a challenging time like this?
I'm not crazy about "inspiration". I think there is an infinite pool of creative energy that is accessible to everyone at any given time. It's all about finding ways to access that energy without waiting to feel inspired. For me, access to that creative field can come through meditation, playtime, simply sitting and listening to the birds sing. When I really connect to my senses - you know really smell the fragrance of an orange or feel the texture of a rose petal - it's impossible not to feel inspired right?
Elizabeth Herman - Argent Silversmith
What is your creative practice?
Handmade & recycled silver & gold jewellery
What are you doing differently now that the social distancing laws are in place?
I am fortunate enough to have a home studio so not much has changed in terms of running my business - my lovely assistant now just comes in to pick up orders to pack at home rather than working here with me. In my day to day life, I am restricting my outings to a minimum and essential activities.
What positive message do you think will come from this crisis?
I am hoping that this crisis will have reminded us about what is important and essential in our lives - to focus on the main things such as family, friends, health, education, and the natural environment. Our economy is just so fragile and dependant on consumption, which often at times is to the detriment of quality, people and the planet - hopefully we can stop taking life as we know it for granted and connect on a deeper level with our surroundings, people, homes, gardens and bodies. It is definitely encouraging to see how quickly we can react to a crisis and that gives me hope for the climate predicament.
How do you find inspiration during a challenging time like this?
There is such a wealth of creativity online at the moment, people are sharing their knowledge and skills on the daily - I have been enjoying connecting with a range of creatives on social media and experimenting with new crafts which is so refreshing and inspiring. I also, as always, am inspired by my surroundings, the forests, mountains, sunrises & sunsets as well as my beautiful home.
Rachel Wood - Wunder Weave
What is your creative practice?
Weaving Workshops, Hand-Crafted Weaving Kits and Supplies, Artworks.
What are you doing differently now that the social distancing laws are in place?
I have actually been practising more socialising than I probably usually would with friends, family colleagues and neighbours! I'm finding I am becoming more comfortable with allowing more access to my home-life. It's quite refreshing!
How has your creativity or craft fuelled this change?
Bunkering down has meant I've had so much more time to communicate with my customers. I've had the time to listen to what they might need and tailor my advice, my products and my offering to each individual. Feeling confident about an idea or plan really helps me creatively thrive!
What positive message do you think will come from this crisis?
How we work together as a society is really significant and that change is possible.
How do you find inspiration during a challenging time like this?
'Challenge' itself has always been a source of inspiration for me. I always find that my most rested position is actually behind my loom. It's where my inner dialogue has the chance to play out and where problem solving can take place. Video-conversations with friends and being invited into their virtual homes is also really inspiring - I've been having some great virtual home tours and seeing lots of framed family photos, cooking tutorials & wardrobe tours!
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