“The practice of working together through creativity is a powerful thing.” –Faithe Levine
Impulsively, I invited a painter, an expert fine artist, to join me for a morning resin-making activity. Then, I panicked. What was I thinking inviting a professional to share my studio?
“Craft has the power to take down the walls we’ve spent our lives building between each other.” – Faithe Levine
The “what will she think?” fear faded into the background as I plowed ahead, planning our morning experimentation.
I discovered things I’d not previously known about my acquaintance. Artists in our own right, we developed a new respect for each other as we shared ideas, commentary and a few laughs.
I showed examples of my work, forgetting to be intimidated by her art degree or what I saw as superior collage experience. We gave each other the gift of creating together.
The joy we experienced in our morning together now outweighs everything other uncertainty and provides a bond for us going forward.
What is it you hesitate to do? A small paperbook entitled “Craftivism, The Art and Craft of Activism” launched this essay. In the foreward, editor Betsy Greer states she hopes this anthology will “…show you how you can use your creativity to improve your own life as well as the lives of others.”
For me, it’s time. There’s a resonance in these words. The essays in “Craftivism” move from person to community, from a change within, to a change that makes the world a better place. This theme resonates with me. I told members of Collaborheartists, my art group, that I had a new book for our bedside tables and bookshelves.
In light of the Faithe Levine quotes, I hold a larger appreciation for the power of synergy: craft day with my sisters, needlepoint with a group of women friends, beads and blah with other members of the Bead Society, make and take projects with gallery members.
Craft to make your world better.
How will you craft with me, so we craft together?
