Remember Your Inner Artist
I first learned how to make paper in undergraduate school, when I was learning to be an art teacher.
I was at Elmira College studying art education, and learning different media and techniques for art lessons. I learned
basic bookbinding, how to marbelize paper, and how to make paper from pulp, among many other fun techniques.
After the first handmade paper lesson, I was hooked. I couldn't stop making paper on my own. I set up a space back home during the break and started vending at small craft fairs. Eventually, I decided that papermaking was a lot of fun, and I didn't really want to be an art teacher (though I tried again many years later, only to reach the same conclusion). I switched to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Design, and I have called myself a professional artist and papermaker ever since.
I actually do love teaching, just not at the public school level. I believe we all have our niche, especially in teaching. And my niche is teaching adults to find their sacred inner self and innate creativity. That's why I love teaching yoga classes and art workshops for adults.
Many people tell me, "I used to love making art when I was a child. But then I became an adult with responsibilities..."
It makes me so sad!🥺
I believe we have the responsibility to listen to the creative call, because it makes us happier and healthier humans. When we deny this essential part of our true selves, we wither and wilt inside. We shouldn't have to wait until we are retired or have "time," because, truthfully, there is no guarantee we'll get that in the future.
We each have the right to be creative and to make things that bring us joy.
What are you creating today?
Creativity Quotes
"The creative adult is the child who survived." ―Ursula Leguin
"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." ―Maya Angelou
“One day you will wake up, and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now.” ―Paulo Coelho
“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ―Vincent Van Gogh
“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ―Oscar Wilde
