Friday, October 17, 2014

in my studio: on being a maker



Often, when people ask me what I do, it's difficult for me to answer. I have a part time job, I run a household, and am a volunteer for an organization that works to end extreme global poverty. But somehow, I tend to shy away from mentioning that I'm also a blogger, a designer and a maker. 

This week I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a maker. I'm sure there are about as many definitions as there are things to make and people to make them, but I think it's an important question to reflect on. What does being a maker mean to me?

Sometimes I doubt and question myself and the things I make. When your heart and passion (as well as your time and hard work) are wrapped up so deeply in something, it's very scary to send that something out into the world. A lack of response (or worse, a negative one) can crush an artist's heart. Perhaps this is why I often skip over talking about this side of my life.

But the truth is, I also do this for me. I love to use my two hands to create something beautiful and life giving. Making is important to me. It grounds me in who and where I am. Whether it's a pair of mitts, dinner, a blog post or a difference, I know that I will continue to make things. And hopefully, along the way, I will learn to share what I make with a little more confidence, and maybe be a blessing to someone along the way. 

4 comments:

  1. I loved this post, thank you for sharing! I think we all struggle with this. It's funny how when someone asks me what I do I say "I work in HR". Usually a few hours later I'll add "Oh, and I'm a photographer". Why does the thing that so defines me always come to mind last? Are we all subconsciously ashamed of being an artist? There is so much joy in creating, but maybe it's too personal to shout it from the rooftops.

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    1. thank YOU for sharing :) I think you're right- creating is such a personal thing, it can be so hard to share. But it can also be so beautiful when we do. That's why I love blogging- it's a place where we can share our art alongside others and hopefully support each other as we all gain confidence to share a little more!

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  2. I can relate to this too! if someone asked me what I do I would say "student" "early childhood educator" first and probably forget to mention my love of knitting, and making mittens, scarves, hats. I also shy away from mentioning I have a blog in fear of people judging or not understanding. Our community of makers understand what it means to knit, crochet, sew, etc but other people might not understand it the same way. I have recently began sharing that I have a blog and knit with people because it has become a skill of mine and a passion and I like people knowing me as a knitter as well. Thank you for your post it was great!

    Lisa
    www.needlesandwool.blogspot.com

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    1. glad you liked the post- thank you for sharing! I totally know what you mean about being afraid people won't understand. It's such a challenge for me to share what I do with others without adding all these explanations or talking it down in some way. I think it's great that you've started sharing about knitting & blogging with others. Our passions are always worth sharing, even if it feels like such a risk! Keep sharing and hopefully it will get a little easier each time :)

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