Sometimes I like to let the weekly podcasts add up and listen to several episodes in a day. I especially enjoy doing this with The New Yorker Radio Hour; for some reason, I like to save David Remnick's voice for days when I need a calming influence. I was doing that earlier this week when I listened to a segment titled "Jason Isbell on Songwriting While Sober."
In trying to take it easy I’ve been making sushi sets. What’s under the soy sauce tray is a surprise. While I’m not working in clay this month I want to work on reels for Instagram.
The interview was from the 2016 New Yorker Festival. In the discussion, Jason talks honestly about finding inspiration. Like seeing a bulletin board filled with images of missing kids, wondering how a kid can go missing with social media these days. Then the phrase, "you couldn't run away at all," comes to him, and he realizes that "wall" and "all" rhyme, and here I'm at a wall. It's clearer in his telling , but sometimes inspiration comes in quick and hurried thoughts, so you need to make notes. Next, he references the painter's Chuck Close quote, "Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work." Which profoundly resonated with me and is why I'm sharing these thoughts.
A recently completed commission for a porch mural featuring hummingbirds and hibiscus.
Showing up has kept me inspired for years. And that's what I've been doing since returning from Paris. But the inspiration hasn't come; pain in my neck and shoulders seems to be blocking it. So I'm taking a break for bodily maintenance to be in top shape for the Holiday season and shows. If you've signed up for a class, I will be there, and I'm available if you need something. Regular studio hours (blog and newsletter) will resume in September.
A small but fun project I’ve enjoyed making is a utensil jar that will match the other art tiles and the kitchen backsplash the customer already has. There are are extras if you’d like to do the same.