How do we learn ways of creating that work well for us?
When I paint loose and wet, and then when I write about it (as I did in last week’s blog), I am always delighted by the very sincere and interested questions I’ll receive.
How wet? Do you spritz the fabric? Do you wet the fabric thoroughly? Do you water the paint? Do you dip the brush in water? How long? What kind of brush? What’s the ratio of water to paint? Cold water or hot water?
These are very good questions.
With sincere apologies, I am not very good at giving definitive answers.
Do you have anybody in your family who is a fabulous cook, and have you experienced trying to get from them the secret of their world-famous biscuits or rolls?
My grandmother made both biscuits and rolls well. But it was her coleslaw that everybody really loved. She tried to give her recipe, but she really couldn’t. Mayonnaise, yes, and then some vinegar – “Oh, I don’t know. Different kinds.” – and then something sweet to offset the vinegar. I’d seen her use powdered sugar, or cool whip, or once even little marshmallows. And it always turned out right. She just knew what went together.
Painting fabric is like that too. You have to do it wrong a number of times, and try different things, and finally get a feel for your materials.
Writing about this has caused me to remember a favorite poem by Nikki Giovanni. It gives a different meaning to passing on how-to knowledge. But, it’s so good I’m just going to let it stand alone here.
Legacies
by Nikki Giovanni
her grandmother called her from the playground
“yes, ma’am”
“i want chu to learn how to make rolls” said the old
woman proudly
but the little girl didn’t want
to learn how because she knew
even if she couldn’t say it that
that would mean when the old one died she would be less
dependent on her spirit so
she said
“i don’t want to know how to make no rolls”
with her lips poked out
and the old woman wiped her hands on
her apron saying “lord
these children”
and neither of them ever
said what they meant
and i guess nobody ever does
. . . .
Happy creating. Happy experimenting. Happy learning.
. . . .
This Tuesday I will be a poll worker for our local supervisor of elections. It will be a long day, and turnout will be pretty light. But here’s my reminder: Don’t forget to VOTE! It may not feel like much. But it’s the power we have.
For all of us: focus each day on the good
that needs to be done in the world.
Be part of doing it.
Thank you for reading. I always enjoy questions and comments.
--Bobbi
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