'Words are reluctant to come. Those I set down are clumsy and haphazard, heading first this way, then that. Always the doubt that they’re of any value, if this is how I can best serve these times.'
Beautifully put. Please know that your words have tremendous value. Since discovering them, and your other art, earlier this year, I have found them comforting, engaging and inspiring. Your work with patterns--visual and textual--was very much on my mind when I wrote my recent piece on patterns and repetition. I had intended to link to your work but didn't find the right point as my own text became unwound and I struggled to hold it together. You've expressed here some of what I was trying to get at there, thinking about the value of what we do to 'keep going', and the ways that patterns of behaviour and creativity become apparent to us as result of that keeping going.
Thank you so much Richard, for these words of encouragement and what a delight to discover your writing too - especially the recent piece on repetition and pattern. Thank you for drawing out the links with pattern in music and the effect that repetitive, rhythmic sounds have on us, something I haven't thought much about lately. I've bookmarked your piece for a more careful re-read as it was sparking off lots of thoughts and connections as I read it just now. I hope we can keep this conversation open as you start to focus on your next book.
A wonderfully calm & thoughtful start to the day. Thanks Sam! I shan't be aboard this afternoon as I'm in Edinburgh and taking in Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970–1990. It will take me back - definitely a circling- to my rebellious twenties but I doubt it will be calming!
Have a very gentle bob on the ocean of calm this afternoon protected with love from the abounding storm x
Thank you for this beautiful piece. "Paint your grey bottles" is now scribbled on a scrap of paper and tacked to my studio wall as a brilliant reminder.
Good afternoon, Scotland time, Samantha. I enjoyed reading your post just now. (I decided to not listen to your voice over today. Feeling a little scrabble brained from recent events, I felt certain I’d get more from words only.) As I read I visualized you as a magician. “Where is the coin I placed under one of these walnut shells?” Then suddenly it appeared in my shirt pocket! Not unlike my a-ha realizations as you shared thoughts and processes on your creativity, writing as well as painting. When you shared Float #2 from well prior to your move to Orkney, I felt the Ureka moment you so aptly described. “So this was the artist 15 years ago? As well as the artist today.”
“You get to have the wisdom of hindsight. In writing, you get to be a better version of yourself. Eventually.” Saying that, Sam, exhibits honesty and humility. And in no way surprising to me. I’ll file today’s essay under “How Creative Minds Work.” Many thanks.
I'm not sure where I recently found your Blog, maybe in France, but so far very happy. I write sometimes and paint sometimes, but not quite ready to commit. I'm enjoying exploring your gifts though. Thank you.
This was so reassuring thank you. I have been listening to a pod caste about the American election at bedtime instead of listening to poetry or something wholesome. It's a 'dark fascination' that leaves me feeling guilty ...rather like a bad habit. I feel better prepared for sitting at my desk and waiting or revisting, circling ...in fact yiur message could have been written for me! Thank you
yes, it has a real pull doesn't it, even when we know it doesn't help us...I had to force myself to put down my phone last night and pick up the book that was lying, face down, waiting for me. As soon as I did so, I felt something in me start to settle. Here's to the quiet friendship of books, actual printed books, where the words rest quietly on the page and don't slide away.
Thank you for this post Samantha, I needed to read this today. I’m afflicted with this skittering, like so many right now I’m sure. I doubt if I can join you this afternoon, a conflict of appointments, but I will take heart from those grey bottles.
Once again you’ve hit the nail on the head. I was lucky enough last weekend to have a long planned weekend of walking with friends it meant not having to think about all the worrying things that have plagued me/us. Today I’ll draw some metaphorical grey bottles! Thank you for another peaceful, thoughtful piece.
Thank you, Sam. I think this is something I needed to read today. Faced with stacks of reading and writing and planning and making to do, I just don't know where to start. Reading this just reminded me that as long as I do start, something, anything, then that's ok.
'Words are reluctant to come. Those I set down are clumsy and haphazard, heading first this way, then that. Always the doubt that they’re of any value, if this is how I can best serve these times.'
Beautifully put. Please know that your words have tremendous value. Since discovering them, and your other art, earlier this year, I have found them comforting, engaging and inspiring. Your work with patterns--visual and textual--was very much on my mind when I wrote my recent piece on patterns and repetition. I had intended to link to your work but didn't find the right point as my own text became unwound and I struggled to hold it together. You've expressed here some of what I was trying to get at there, thinking about the value of what we do to 'keep going', and the ways that patterns of behaviour and creativity become apparent to us as result of that keeping going.
Thank you so much Richard, for these words of encouragement and what a delight to discover your writing too - especially the recent piece on repetition and pattern. Thank you for drawing out the links with pattern in music and the effect that repetitive, rhythmic sounds have on us, something I haven't thought much about lately. I've bookmarked your piece for a more careful re-read as it was sparking off lots of thoughts and connections as I read it just now. I hope we can keep this conversation open as you start to focus on your next book.
I'd very much like to keep the conversation going. Thank you for reading that piece.
A wonderfully calm & thoughtful start to the day. Thanks Sam! I shan't be aboard this afternoon as I'm in Edinburgh and taking in Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970–1990. It will take me back - definitely a circling- to my rebellious twenties but I doubt it will be calming!
Have a very gentle bob on the ocean of calm this afternoon protected with love from the abounding storm x
Oh enjoy the exhibition, Linda! It sounds brilliant and well worth a visit.
Thank you for this beautiful piece. "Paint your grey bottles" is now scribbled on a scrap of paper and tacked to my studio wall as a brilliant reminder.
Oh, I love this Hilary!
'blurred edges and soft uncertainty' - and there is my week. You and a cup of tea are exactly what is needed this morning, Sam. Many thanks.
You are more than welcome Barbara, I'm glad to know my writing helped you in some way.
Good afternoon, Scotland time, Samantha. I enjoyed reading your post just now. (I decided to not listen to your voice over today. Feeling a little scrabble brained from recent events, I felt certain I’d get more from words only.) As I read I visualized you as a magician. “Where is the coin I placed under one of these walnut shells?” Then suddenly it appeared in my shirt pocket! Not unlike my a-ha realizations as you shared thoughts and processes on your creativity, writing as well as painting. When you shared Float #2 from well prior to your move to Orkney, I felt the Ureka moment you so aptly described. “So this was the artist 15 years ago? As well as the artist today.”
“You get to have the wisdom of hindsight. In writing, you get to be a better version of yourself. Eventually.” Saying that, Sam, exhibits honesty and humility. And in no way surprising to me. I’ll file today’s essay under “How Creative Minds Work.” Many thanks.
Thank you Gary, for your thoughtful and supportive response, always much appreciated!
I'm not sure where I recently found your Blog, maybe in France, but so far very happy. I write sometimes and paint sometimes, but not quite ready to commit. I'm enjoying exploring your gifts though. Thank you.
Hello Jaine, thank you, it's lovely to hear that my posts are encouraging. I do hope you continue to write and paint and find your own creative path.
I savored each and every word. Thank you!
That's wonderful to hear, Paul. Warm wishes to you from Orkney!
This was so reassuring thank you. I have been listening to a pod caste about the American election at bedtime instead of listening to poetry or something wholesome. It's a 'dark fascination' that leaves me feeling guilty ...rather like a bad habit. I feel better prepared for sitting at my desk and waiting or revisting, circling ...in fact yiur message could have been written for me! Thank you
yes, it has a real pull doesn't it, even when we know it doesn't help us...I had to force myself to put down my phone last night and pick up the book that was lying, face down, waiting for me. As soon as I did so, I felt something in me start to settle. Here's to the quiet friendship of books, actual printed books, where the words rest quietly on the page and don't slide away.
Thank you for this post Samantha, I needed to read this today. I’m afflicted with this skittering, like so many right now I’m sure. I doubt if I can join you this afternoon, a conflict of appointments, but I will take heart from those grey bottles.
Thank you Margaret. I am just now reading Marion Milner, thanks to you!
I am loving Marion Milner - I think it’s an example of ‘when the pupil is ready the teacher appears’’.
I love how honest she is, especially sharing those youthful diary entries! I'd rather burn mine they make me cringe so much!
Once again you’ve hit the nail on the head. I was lucky enough last weekend to have a long planned weekend of walking with friends it meant not having to think about all the worrying things that have plagued me/us. Today I’ll draw some metaphorical grey bottles! Thank you for another peaceful, thoughtful piece.
Yes yes spend more time with people , preferably outside, and less time with screens - good plan!
Thank you, Sam. I think this is something I needed to read today. Faced with stacks of reading and writing and planning and making to do, I just don't know where to start. Reading this just reminded me that as long as I do start, something, anything, then that's ok.
Inch by inch we go...I’d say bottle by bottle but that doesn’t sound quite right!
😂