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Forward Motion

11/23/2014

2 Comments

 
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We were tasked in “Sculpture 101” with creating a piece out of plaster of Paris and being able to talk about its message with the class.

I made two window frames, each measuring three by four feet. I planned to hang them from the ceiling so people could walk in and through and around the pair. They were meant to be a semi-barrier. The concepts that keep up apart, but don’t have to. We could reach through them and communicate. See the other. Talk easily. Touch, if we like.

I didn’t consider myself an artist. I was simply an avid liberal arts student who ended up in the fine arts building. The pressure was on. So when one window frame broke, so did I. I think I managed not to cry, but I was close. Our professor, Stan Shetka, is an artist and inventor extraordinaire.

“Go with it,” he said.

That’s what I needed.

Well, yeah, partial barrier. Now it’s broken. Ta. Da.

I conjure Stan’s encouragement as often as possible. Roll forward. Seldom do I reverse while knitting. I try to use the seam ripper as little as possible when I sew. I keep writing. I encourage other people to do the same.

When do you give yourself permission to “Go with it”? How often do you intone forward motion? Is it ever a bad idea? Tell your story, please and thank you. Leave a comment. 

Photo Credit: kevin dooley via Compfight cc
2 Comments
Matthew Nelson link
11/24/2014 03:36:43 am

This post is very encouraging for me. I often find myself stuck on the perfect word or sentence... And typically it stops my momentum. Dara, thank you for the reminder to simply continue rolling forward!

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Dara
11/26/2014 04:08:50 am

Oh, Matt, you bring up a weighty point: perfection. Want to write more about that? There's room on this page for your thoughts! Guest blogger. That's you.

What is perfect? What is the perfect word? Should we even use the word "perfect"? The stymie factor is so great. Sometimes I'm looking for the perfect word and come up with eight others, which is a fun exercise. Then I walk away from the work and come back and the right word usually jumps out. Or a writing group member points out another avenue. Following Jay Prince's advice: take a break, have faith, fill your head with other thoughts.

Thanks for leaving a comment, Matt. Think about a guest post. Write on, pal.

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