I haven't fallen off the face of the earth or anything and I appreciate the emails asking where I've been the last couple of weeks. I've been feeling a little wiped out and haven't spent much time on the computer since I returned from Philadelphia. I just wanted to take the time to offer a much belated thank you to one of the most wonderful polymer clay guilds out there. I had such an amazing weekend with the talented ladies in Philly and I got to see some incredible things while I was there. Standing so close to the Liberty Bell was just awe-inspiring and a very moving experience, especially in light of the fact that our country seems to be totally falling apart right now. Not really a big surprise considering the way things have been handled the past few years. That's my fleeting version of a political rant and I'm moving on to more pleasant topics now!
Returning to my weekend in Philadelphia, it was a total affirmation as to why teaching is so incredibly rewarding to me. This gorgeous necklace was made by Barbara Egnor of New Jersey. She approached me first thing Sunday morning to thank me for inspiring her to work in a more organic fashion and for giving her the incentive to abandon her previous ideas of what constituted "perfection". She was so sincere and I was moved to tears to have inspired someone to make something so incredibly special. This piece represented freedom of creativity to her and to me, as well. I think that's truly one of the best gifts we can be given in our artistic journeys. Thank you, Barbara, for allowing me to share this story, and to all the members of the Philadelphia Polymer Clay Guild, your talent, kindness, good humor and generosity will stay with me always. I'm so grateful to you all.
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9 comments:
What a great story, Kim, about Barbara's necklace. It's beautiful; I can only imagine your gratification at having been given the fine compliment of inspiring someone so deeply. Congrats on a wonderful teaching experience in Philly...
Thanks for coming to Philly Kim! We enjoyed having you. Barbara's work grows by leaps and bounds every time we meet. We've made arrangments with the Mayor to make the roads less confusing for your return trip. You will come back, won't you?
you know, my first thought was that the necklace was yours---she is a student indeed!
Thanks Jana! Barbara is a very talented lady and I was honored to have played a tiny part in this piece. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to teach at such a great guild.
Sue, you're so funny! Tell the Mayor I'm grateful that's he's willing to help a half-blind and befuddled small-towner like myself. I fell in love with your city and I'm sure the next time I come back (is next week too soon?) I'll be a pro at navigating all those one-way streets and busy freeways. Thanks for everything, my friend!
Thanks Randee, I'm definitely taking that as a compliment! I sure WISH I'd made that gorgeous necklace.
I think this necklace also challenges our ideas about beauty. She created a piece that seemed untouched by human hands. It gave me a chance to appreciate
a natural form (which she so cleverly mimics and is no easy task) and say that "as is" is enough.
I think her piece is original and brilliant. It is much more profound than something that has been refined to a factory polish.
Thanks so much for sharing it and giving us a chance to reinterpret beauty.
I can think of no better compliment to give someone than that she has inspired, or prompted free thinking.
As I imagined, you must be a fantastic teacher.
Denise (aka wiggy)
Kim: Thank you sooo much for the posting - you took a great pic of my creation! Thank you and the other bloggers for the lovely compliments - they mean more than you know. TTFN!
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