Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
(from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha101052.html)
——–
Sorry I haven’t posted in a while–I have a good excuse….
Suffice it to say that when I do get some time, the studio has been a place of solace. Being in the present, forgetting (if only for a while) cares and worries.
I was never a girlie girl, always loved to get dirty. Still don’t mind.
Remember when you were a child and could squat for ages, scratching designs on the ground with a stick? (or was that just me? Heck, I’d be glad if I could just squat and get back up unassisted!)
Artists often mention in their Artist Statements that they are attracted to the tactile quality of clay–overstated perhaps, but it’s true–If I’m holding a lump of clay in my hand, I can’t resist squishing it.
As we were cleaning up after a workshop at an elementary school recently, a boy asked if he could keep his extra clay. I said no, we will use that for another class (I hate saying that–not that it’s untrue, but the clay needs to be fired to last and, the real reason–no one appreciates clay smooshed in the rug back in the classroom. You know that’s what’s going to happen. So I can honestly say it is mandated by the classroom teacher, and for good reason.)
That works for adults, too–
Anyway, after I said no, the boy asked if he could just hold the clay in his hand because he loved the feel of it. This was after an hour-long workshop.
Yep, he’s been bitten by the Clay Bug.
Being in the present–teachng–students with difficulty staying on task, myself…..
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
get lost, forget yourself–like you did as a child–totally immerse yourself…–I’m pretty hyper, but managed to do that in Mikes class one day–completely forgot where I was. Out of the blue Mike said something and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
That’s the thing about getting engaged–you forget….
get lost–
Thanks, I needed that!