The Artist Way: Week 2

This is for my part of The Artist’s Way collective that I’m a part of… you can find more info here.

I’ve skipped writing about Week 1 in the Artist Way because of last week’s crazy week.  I read the chapter, but didn’t do any of the exercises (FYI).  For this week I decided to write about my Artist Date.  I wanted to go to an antique shop since I love and find inspiration in vintage things.  Once I drove to the location of the shop I had googled, it turned up missing. (I still have no clue where it’s hiding.)  Uh…  Now what?  I thought I’d drive around and find somewhere else to browse around.

Lucky me, I soon spotted a local store that bragged of gifts, collectables and antiques. There were LOTS of different items – crosses, plaques, Texas pride items, flowers.  While I walked through the store I didn’t see one antique in the place, but there were some little items and trinkets that brought warm memories.  I was continuously drawn to the birds throughout the store which immediately reminded me of my Grandma. There was something about them that just brought her to mind… that old fashioned look.  I think she collects music boxes and many of them have birds on them.  She lives in Minnesota… and this first little bird I saw, a blue jay, reminded me of my time up there and with her. (at least I think it’s a blue jay)  

I consider my Grandma to be one of my biggest cheerleaders.  It’s not like she says a lot of positive comments all the time in an obvious cheerleader way.  She’s just positive and loving and gracious about what you’re doing in your life. (And she’s very spunky in her own 91 year old life!)  You know she’s quietly proud of what you do… and it helps give you sort of a backbone in being okay in who you are… if that makes sense.

Without the kids in tow, it was nice to be able to let my mind wander and allow the rest of the time be spent remembering moments shared with my Grandma.  Most of them small and would probably seem insignificant to someone else… most likely even to her.  I think this was an important creative experience because I see my artistic self as part past, part present, part future.  Where do I come from? What am I naturally drawn to? How does that shape my view and tastes?  How can I show it as my voice now?  How can I expand it into the future?  Which is maybe why vintage items always seem to inspire me.

Some other items at the store:

Then after all those birds and memories floating around the store – I found one little treasure.  

This little squirrel. 

It was perfect.  If you’re a Rust reading this you probably don’t need and explanation as to why this is so great, but I’ll explain for everyone else.

While I was a little girl, one of my fondest memories of my grandparents house is watching the little backyard squirrel through their big picture window in the dining room.  The had a little ledge screwed into the tree and put things on it for the squirrel to much on… corn on the cob is what I remember most.  I think my Grandma told me they named him Charlie or some name like that.  I’ll have to find out for sure.  I don’t know why, but that was one of my favorite things visiting my grandparents.  I have a clear memory of both of them standing by the window with me watching that little squirrel.  Pointing, quietly whispering so as not to wake up the rest of the house…  Such good memories. When I was 17 and my Grandma moved we got to pick out items from her house that we treasured. I chose a little ceramic squirrel she had for the same reason – I loved that little guy and my time with my grandparents.  It’s packed away in my garage at the moment, but I should probably get it out.

Although I’m not much of a trinket person and I hate clutter, I couldn’t resist and bought it.  It was only $6.  I now have a new little “Charlie” (I think) sitting up by my kitchen sink.  And he makes me smile every time I see him.

It just makes me happy that part of my “sense of identity”, the chapter this week, is intertwined with the past and with such a wonderful Grandma.