I often struggle with the notion that being crafty is beneath the fine arts world. The truth is-being creative comes in all forms and just because there isn’t some deep conceptual meaning behind the piece, doesn’t mean it’s of lesser value. I think all creative forms serve a purpose and have a time and place. Well, the time came for me to make some crafty items. The reason being it was an idea I had and I simply followed through. It all started with our habitual walks to the creek. We gear up and set off with our yellow lab, Riley. He really loves it down at the water and has developed a new game. He goes “fishing” into the creek for rocks. He finds rocks that fit nicely in his mouth and he carries them to shore. As I saw him carry on with this task, I began to think about my childhood. I used to paint rocks with glitter and glue pictures on them. I then thought about how great it is to have a creek nearby with endless amounts of rocks…AKA free art supplies. So it began, I started collecting rocks in attempts to paint them and sell as crafts. I made a slew of animal rocks and will be presenting them for sale at a craft show this Saturday. I must say it was fun seeing the end result. What began as dirty, moss-laden rocks in a creek ended as an assortment of man’s favorite animal paper weights; one of a kind desk ornaments made in attempts to bring a smile to someone’s face. As much as I imagined this being fun, I have to admit I rushed through them to “get it over with.” I learned that I wasn’t making them because it gave me joy, I was making them in hopes to make a few bucks. There’s nothing wrong with that-but I have concluded that making art should be about serving my gift and expressing myself. Anything less than that and I am selling myself short.
So back to fine arts…I agree there is nothing wrong with crafts of any nature, but my heart does seem to be devoted to fine arts-the quest to express ideas or feelings. If anything, this crafting adventure served as a period for growth and understanding. I feel excited in a way I haven’t felt in years to get back to that canvas and really convey some deep conceptual thoughts. So rock art, I thank you for centering me and reigniting my inspirational flame.
An Art State Of Mind 