Writing, Rage and Light
You know those busy days, the ones where things just keep coming at you from all directions? Home, work, the damn phone, kids’ schools, the dog- it just doesn’t stop. There are endless problems to solve.
Then, something happens in the news to make your issues seem as trivial as they indeed are. The unimaginable has happened because, somehow, our imaginations didn’t extend to a shift backwards in time. Although you live in a theoretically “safe” state, you still somehow feel like they’re coming for you. People are out there seeking to chip away at rights you may never have exercised but always rest assured you had available. What might be next?
I used to move fairly quickly into rage when I’ve felt attacked or controlled. Inner fuming, nearly bubbling over. A run, fast walk, or other energy-expelling activity was called for. In recent years it has felt more like being beaten down and the stewing has been an inner simmering. Less energy, more deliberate action. Something is cooking slowly and getting all the sugary juices caramelizing to make something flavorfull and powerful. I find myself scribbling furiously in a scrappy notebook in the early morning light.
Writing is therapy for many of us, not throwing pots. I can’t make anything beautiful when I’m shaking-mad. I can’t make a smooth vessel you want to put to your lips, hold in your morning hands. No, making pots calls for calm, breathe and expansion, romance. Times like this call for working through emotions and ideas on the page.
I always come back to the same next-step, and I’ve said it before here in 100 different ways - to shine light where I can, where we can together. I can’t change the Supreme Court today, but I can hold this space and usher in as much light, as many ideas and mediums of joy and expression as we can. I find myself so very grateful to have a short summer writing course planned with “On the Inside” where we can start to help shed light to women who have been through dark times. You need to meet Nikki and Carol, leaders of On The Inside, in the studio. They will restore your sense of humanity.
I wonder, will we someday soon be writing with women who are incarcerated simply because they chose not to bear a child? Will they be incarcerated because they prioritized their own health and safety? Will women be incarcerated for taking care of themselves? I dare say they will and our country’s hearts will break with each woman persecuted and prosecuted.
Shine light where you can, shine light where you can. Maybe one day that will be enough.
_________________
We’re open the following hours for pickup of any/all ceramics work from this session. Any work that is left after that point will get boxed and, eventually, tossed out. We hate to do this, so please come and get items you’ve worked so hard for.
6/27 - 7/1 9am - 3pm (summer programs will be happening but you can sneak in quietly to get things up front)
________________
Do you want to write with us at Create this summer? Join us with On The Inside! In person, remote, or combined!
________________
Friday Night Art Series!
Paper Weaving July 29
Friday Night Clay July 29
Friday Night Clay August 19
_________________
Summer Teen/Adult Clay Classes are posted
Three day short workshop: Alternate Forms
Three day short workshop: Advanced Throwing (Great for MANY of our current students)
__________________
Collaborative Writing with “On The Inside”
4 classes, remote or in-person.
__________________
Adult Figure Drawing
Join us and a clothed model August 5 and 6
__________________
Summer Camp is LIVE!
Week-long kids program from 9 - 3pm!
Click here to view our summer options.
We just have a few seats left for August, so sign up soon!
_________________
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Small, one-time birthday parties are BACK! We are scheduling for this summer, and right now we’re booking July and beyond.
Size limit is 12 -15 participants and activities can range widely. Join us to celebrate in 2022! Email us: info@createartincommunity.com
_________________
Scholarship Information
We offer about 3+ scholarships each session, year round
No age, gender, race, or any other limitation on who can request a scholarship
No limitation on what medium or class type
Click here for more information.
Please share this information widely with your school communities!