Learn in the moment

 

            One of the hardest questions and things to figure out with my hobby of creating things is figure out “what to make.” I know I have said this 100’s of times and I will probably continue to say it. I of course will and probably never be able to explain my creative process. Especially because I believe that is very person specific. Yes, there is some familiarity and similarities with the right person.

            I have said in an early blog about how I doodle ideas in a book. I will be honest that most of those ideas usually don’t translate to a successful project. One this that I have came to realize is that sometime “I have no idea how to draw what I am envisioning.” I also know that for some of the smaller projects “I have absolutely no clue what the final project will look like.” It is sometimes strange, but I know it to be true “the wood tells me what it wants to become.” I have ideas that come easy and then I have ideas which take longer. I have done to many times to count sat at my “magic table of creation,” and actively look at multiple different pieces of wood. I look at the different grain patterns, and the unique characters of each different piece. I know that even two of the same species of wood will have similarity and differences.

            There is variety of differences that one can add into a piece of artwork. I know that for most of my projects it starts simply by “just starting.” Whether it be by determining how I want the piece to be oriented, to what kind of boarder I want. I have created pieces from the center to outside and from the outside to the center.

            The fun of generating different ideas and making them come into reality. With my latest projects I have learn something. I learned to follow and trust my heart.

            Many people are aware of the tragedy which happened in my hometown of Tremonton Utah. It has been a blessing seeing how the community has come together in the time of unfortunate tragedy. When I found out about it, I knew in my heart that I would make a treasure. Despite not having any idea what the necklace pendants would look like. The only thing I knew needed to be included is the initials of the fallen hero’s who made the greatest sacrifice. I had to be patient to find out the names of the officers involved. I continued to ponder ideas, but nothing felt right. I became motivated to “make something.” I found the pieces of wood that said, “pick me.” I started from the outside in. Making the shape and the border. Then suddenly, the necklace pendants came together and looked perfect. From the different styles but the cherished and treasured meaning behind the work. In the moment I didn’t know the heartfelt message hidden in my work. I often ponder different things I could add while I am carving. I had the idea but decided against doing colored glass inlay. My heart told me to leave the natural character and carved elements to be felt when the piece is touched.

            I sent the necklaces to mother delivery service to make sure they would get delivered to the police station. She reminded me to add a gift tag. Sometimes I struggle with, knowing what to say. Thankfully I had the help of my mom and sister. When I wrote the words I found the message of my work.

            In loving memory of …… May you feel his love, strength, and courage every time you wear this necklace.

            I learned this last week you might have to adapt in the moment. I worked on another pendant. I had one idea, but in the moment “it didn’t look right.” The only element and goal for this necklace was to inlay a 10mm rhinestone in the center.  I took a leap of faith and changed the design. Once I cut the star legs off, I liked it better. I continued to finish the work. I sanded and glued the stone in. But then an oops happened. I drilled a pile whole to put the I screw in for the necklace. Of course, it broke below the wood line. Well, this is a problem. I took a break and had to regroup. I choose another orientation and make the whole. I used sawdust and glue to cover the first whole I made. Is it perfectly hidden, NO. Is it my goal to have a perfect piece, No.

            Overall, the pendants that I made this week were made because I trusted my heart and the process. I trusted in and with each step I choose to take. I made sure to be patient with each idea, especially if I wasn’t sure what might happen. Or if I wasn’t sure the idea was right. I spent the time I felt needed pondering and looking at a variety of angles. Over the time of making my necklace pendants, has there been failures. Yes. Will I continue to have ideas where I get halfway or over halfway and then it does work out. Most likely.

            Insight from the failed projects will make you ponder and look at things differently. I know that failures can make a person fear trying again. I know that with each failed attempt or idea. When you look back, there might be a solution to success by taking smaller steps and being “a little more patient,” and continue to work hard. I believe failures are not a bad thing as long as you’re patient and willing to keep a positive outlook. Failures in wood carving is learning and understanding the tools and materials. Learning how to rethink your ideas to make a better plan.

            I know and believe that you might not understand in the moment the meaning, message or true hidden purpose behind something. And sometimes there might not be a heart-felt message behind the idea. And sometimes the message will come to light in an unexpected and different way.