The Power of Stories
Contemplations Acrylic on Cradle Board 10” X 10”
At my recent art show I had the opportunity to meet and speak with a lot of people. There were a few conversations that really stood out that I wanted to share with you.
A young woman, with a concerned look on her face, was looking at my scarves. These are really lovely scarves. I can say that because I dye them using snow and I don’t control the results. It’s not vanity that I think they are beautiful. It’s preparation and a little magic from mother nature. This woman was carefully looking over my selection and could not decide which one to buy. I asked her if she wanted a mirror so she could look at herself with each one. She looked at me and said she was making this purchase for her mother who was undergoing chemotherapy. Without her saying so, I realized they were to use as a head wrap. I assured her that her thoughtful selection would be appreciated no matter which one she gifted her mother. She made her decision and left both happy and a little sad. In that moment, I realized that what I make matters. If you ever wonder if what you do makes a difference, know that it does. You may never hear about how it made someone’s day happier, but surely when you share your gifts others are grateful.
Late in the day on Sunday I was feeling a little tired and quite frankly, tired of hearing my own voice talking about my work. An older man walked into my booth and really took in my work. He leaned in and made close observation of my textiles and collage. I shared my story and a little about process. And maybe because I was tired of hearing myself, and maybe because he seemed a little lonely I asked him how he was doing. How was he enjoying the show? What was his favorite type of art to look at? He began telling me that he had been visiting the show for over 20 years and he always came with his wife. She had died a few years ago but he still comes to the show. I remarked that walking these aisles must feel like a little visit to memory lane. I hoped that when he came he remembered her fondly because this was something they enjoyed doing together. Then we had a lengthy conversation about life now and how he found something that helps him stay active and social. Pickleball. I’ve been wanting to try pickleball. I am interested because it’s very popular so there must be some fun in it. Giant ping-pong? Baby tennis? I’ve also been hesitant because I am the least competitve person I know. I love to play games but, I have no interest in winning. The enjoyment of playing is enough for me. Would pickleball be an environment where I would be surrounded by people who wanted to win and were poor sports if they didn’t? He assured me that if I gave it a try I would find the right group of people. I thanked him. A while later he stopped in at my booth. He wanted to thank me for the conversation and say he’d be back in December. I asked if he would stop in again and said I would be looking for him. It was so simple. Never underestimate the power of a simple conversation to brighten the day for someone. He certainly brightened mine.
Along with these two encounters, I had the opportunity to see pictures of people’s home and where my artwork was being displayed in them. I got to see collages made by a woman who started creating to help her get through stressful times. I talked about my meditation practice and gratitude journal to people who wanted to talk about these practices. I met someone who is training for a marathon that she will do at the age of 65. The purchases they made, or didn’t make, weren’t the point. After three shows, I felt the connection that was made through the conduit of art.
I make art because I love to make art. The gift is in the process. But now, I am receiving more from the sharing of myself through art. When I take the risk to bare my creative expression, people take a risk to share their story. It’s simple and profound.
If you don’t want to show anyone what you made, that’s your choice. I offer that taking a risk to be vulnerable can lead to surprising encounters.
Contemplations Acrylic on Cradle Board 10” X 10”
