Creative Exercise "I Need"....

As winter approaches, what do you need? The hurry scurry, hustle bustle plans and preparations in our consumer culture are impossible to ignore this time of year. How are you preparing for the material demands of a harsh season? What's your anxiety level as you throw your hat in the ring for another "magical holiday" experience for one and all? What do you need?

Isn't our default setting to acquire more than enough so we aren't caught short - only to be left with extra clutter that doesn't really work for anybody? Over acquisition is MY default setting. And it's getting on my last nerve. Here are a few questions I am asking myself today in order to get to the heart of things. Open your journal, get some colored pencils and markers. Answer these questions while writing fancy.Maybe they will help you too. Oh, while you write, click on the song below. I am loving this song "I Need" by Maverick Sabre. He sounds like Amy Winehouse's little brother - and Amy's recent accidental passing is reminding me that life is precious. All the more important to be intentional about what we really need. 

 
"I need sunshine, I need angels, I need something good..."

Holiday & Gifts:

What is important to me during the holidays? What is important to my family?

Do we spend time and money on things because of "shoulds?"

Am I willing to disappoint the expectations of others and try something new if need be?

A gift is a tangible symbol of emotion, esteem, or respect for another. That's why it seems SO IMPORTANT to get it right. It isn't just the thing. It's what we're saying with the thing. Can I say what I need to without the thing? Or convey the love with a more modest, meaningful token that feels more peaceful/less excessive?

Am I open to following my heart and giving to some one completely unexpected - just because?

Do I have the discipline to wait and not accumulate?

House & Home:

How many partially used bottles of cleaning and beauty products do I see? What was I trying to achieve by purchasing each item?

Do I have a crowded pantry but no inspiration for making dinner?

What's in my dream pantry?

What has to go in order to make room for what I find inspiring and delicious?

What was the thinking behind purchasing the items now headed for the local community food pantry?

How can I be more mindful when shopping?

Thank You, Veterans

In Flanders Fields   by John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies grow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place, and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead; short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe! To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high! If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

The Factory - A Real Life Fairy Tale

This is a story about a place. A place that is old and new at the same time. It is an important story and, like all the best stories, it is true. True stories are especially important to remember so that is why I am telling it now.

Uniroyal Plant 1964

Once upon a time there was a big factory in Eau Claire. The factory made lots of wonderful things for many, many years.These things were made by the people of Eau Claire, with great skill and with much pride. This factory meant a lot to the people in Eau Claire. It gave them jobs. It gave them friends they had for their whole lives. At the factory, they made important things for people all over the world. 

Uniroyal 1949

One time, the factory made things that helped our country win a very serious war. This work was so important that when the men of Eau Claire had to fight in the war, women came to help so the factory could still do its important work. After the war, some women liked making things so much, they stayed at the factory!

Many years passed. Times changed.The factory had to change too even though it was hard. But, do you know what? Many things about the factory didn’t change! It was still a strong, solid place to make things, and to think up thoughts. The factory became Banbury. It welcomed artists and businesses and all sorts of people who had new ideas & dreams to follow. And, there were still women who came to the factory to do their work! 

One summer day, three women dreamed of a place they could sell the things that THEY made, with much skill and great pride. They loved making new things. They loved using old things to make new things. They thought that old things were special and had soul. They hoped that when people saw these things that were special and handmade, they would like them and think their work was important too. They knew the perfect place to come and show the people their work: the old factory, Banbury! So, that is how there came to be a monthly market at Banbury. The three women saw more and more people who cared about soulful things, handmade things come to The Market. They invited everyone to come! They wanted to connect more and more and more people in Eau Claire to more and more and more people who made their own things. Guess what? It's starting to happen! Their dream is coming true! And that is a story of the place that is old and new at the same time, and how it stays strong and holds dreams.

Discipline, Productivity and the Creative Life or "Thanks, Adderall!"

New York-based artist Stan Munro recreated the Sagrada Familia Church of Barcelona using 35,000 toothpicks. Good for him. Seriously. Good for you, Stan!

In ones creative life, much work is done solely in the realm of mind and spirit. Maybe that's why it is so difficult to put a monetary value on "design" or assign billable hours to a project. For me, it's all one big swirling thing; each project and idea influencing the other. (Recent swirl: kindness, book, struggle, parties, Rocky Mountains, parents' 50th, genocide, Africa, entitlement, housecleaning, bracelet, fashion, garden, God) Actual concrete expressions of thoughts and ideas seem to manifest themselves unpredictably and with no apparent rhyme or reason. Aha! The key word there being "APPARENT." Are there concrete actions that, when put into regular practice, enhance productivity? Nurture inspiration?

These are the sorts of questions I have been thinking about in regard to the role of discipline and creativity. My answers? Nothing to write home about. They have revealed a lazy, lackadaisical approach to creative work with the rationalization that waiting until inspiration strikes is the super artistic geniusy way to be....planning out work time like some hack churning out pages to meet a quota is not going to produce the special, special work of which I am capable. Are you gagging yet?

At the end of this post are some questions that came to mind as I wrestled with this topic. Of course I would love to hear anything and everything you have to say - leave a comment or tweet me @chezsusanj.  Before going on to the questions, skim the following paragraph. It might help you in getting to the heart of any matter you face.

Many years ago when I was in therapy, I once asked my counselor if I had to be completely honest about something horrible it was time to be real about in group that week. She told me I did indeed have to be truthful but I could tell the group, "I prefer not to have feedback." That was a great thing to tell me. I could be truthful but set a boundary to keep me safe from the judgment and response of others. So, my creative compadres, answer away. Ask for feedback or set whatever boundaries you need to feel safe. Just be honest as you look at the questions before you.  xo Susan

Do you have ideas you'd like to execute but for which you lack the technical ability?

How would you remedy this? A class? Practice? Input from others?

What keeps you from seeking this remedy?


What role does perfectionism play in your day?

Do you give creative expression respect? Do you believe it deserves your time and attention?

What "shoulds" or "shouldn'ts" do you assign to your creative life? (i.e. I should get domestic chores done first, I shouldn't spend money on this, etc.)


What external forces influence your creative life?

Is a new way to be creative revealing itself? How will you pursue it?

On a scale of 8 to 10, 8 being "awesome" and 10 being "super amazingly wicked awesome, " how awesome are you?

Simple Seasonal Style Updates

SJD "Four Seasons Scarf" Light but lush with texture and layers.

In July, I began thinking about designing some new accessories and jewelry for Fall. What I make is guided right away by my personal style and design philosophy. For me, style principles are the same whether for an outfit or a room: make the main pieces neutral but bring in lots of personal style with accessories. This way, one is less likely to tire of the items that are expensive and difficult to replace while still satisfying the eye's desire for what's fresh and new. To be more specific...

Embracing Current Trends of Stripes & Lace

For a room, the main pieces to keep "neutral" would be costly items like a sofa, area rug, draperies, woodwork. Room accessories that are easy to switch out with your mood or a favorite trend: pillows, throws, lamps, art, picture frames, a fun chair. 
For an outfit, the investment pieces would be a cashmere sweater, winter coat, boots, little black dress, great jeans. The accessories, of course, would be scarves, jewelry, shoes, hats, belts, hosiery, or even a fun watch or bag.

I think it's important to get at least one little something at the beginning of each season that you really love. It doesn't have to be spendy, but it should be something of the moment and maybe even a little risky! Just that one splash of color or edgy bracelet or nail polish color straight from the runway makes everything feel fresh and updated. Take your cues from your environment. Glance through Elle or More. Look at your style heroes. See what you're drawn to and keep your eyes open for the translation that works for you. You'll know it when you see it! 

New at The Market in October
"Tennis Bracelets for the New Millennium"  
Susan Jacoby Designs
My obsession with contrast continues! I found broken rhinestone/bead bracelets in my stash and lashed them together with leather and linen cord.The result looks sort of post apocalyptic/Mad Max. I am loving this armful of bracelets. I'm wearing them constantly!

 

Body or Soul? Can We Value Both?

Recently, a local philanthropic organization made a very generous gift of a gorgeous illuminated Bible text to our community. This art will be displayed in turn at two (competing) area hospitals. This idea itself, the idea of sharing the sacred text, is inspired and has already brought out a sense of unity between the two facilities. Of course, there are some murmurings. The most concise opposition to be found in a well written letter to our local paper. You can read it here. I wrote a response to him and it follows below. I sent it in to the newspaper but who knows if it will be printed. With me in possession of the password to this blog, I know it will be published! I'd be interested to know your thoughts so feel free to comment away. 

I strenuously disagree with the comments made by Mr. Maierhofer regarding how monies spent on art should be going to the "poor." I'm going to assume that at the time of writing his letter, he was unaware that the bible was ostensibly a gift from private individuals whom already donate sacrificially to The Free Clinic and other local philanthropic causes. I hope this fact alone softens his negative attitude. Secondly, I respectfully ask that the writer would recall an experience in his own life where he was inspired by art. Like it or not, man is a spiritual being with a soul that seeks care and feeding. That's why humans are attracted to music, learning, nature, even Netflix. Should all these "extras" be banished from our lives until every physical need of our fellow man is met? Absolutely not! Art ennobles the soul. Great art causes the soul to look beyond its own chaotic, selfish concerns to focus instead on timeless truths, beauty, the human condition. Art reveals truth, and art almost always requires a response. Without art, the inspiration to give and contribute to causes greater than ourselves would disappear. Then we would experience true poverty.

 

Learn more about the St. John's Heritage Bible here.

Yikes! Next Market: October 13, 14, 15

Scout and Skander are ready....are you?

Thursday October 13th  12 - 8pm

Friday October 14th  11am - 7pm

Saturday, October 15th  10am - 4pm

A brisk snap in the air signals autumn's arrival. We're already getting ready for the next market, "Harvest & Halloween!" Sneak peek photos coming soon.

In the meantime, here's a creative exercise to hone those mad cat drawing skillz. This graphic looks like a worksheet a substitute teacher might mimeograph and give to the class at the end of an cool, sunny October afternoon. 

After getting the call that Mrs. Spahr's 4th grade class needed some one just for the day, the 68 year old sub dug around in her files looking for something fun; a treat for the children. She knew she wasn't a favorite. Her teaching style skewed more authoritarian than Magic School Bus. And yet. It seemed important to her that she not arrive completely empty handed. She wanted to bring something of herself - something the children might enjoy.Something that left them with the impression that she wasn't all schedule and discipline.Ahh...here it is. Under "A" for Animal. She initially searched the "H" file. For "Holiday". Sub file "Hallowe'en." She would hand it out 15 minutes before dismissal and the children would run home through papery leaf filled gutters, eager to show their mothers a perfectly drawn cat. It would be a good day.