It’s obvious that we think art is going to help get us through this quarantine; it’s kind of the whole reason we exist in the first place. Last week, on Instagram, we asked everyone on our team about their creative lives. Here’s what we all had to say.
Jack
In addition to running our company beautifully, Jack is also an accomplished gardener. For him, gardening is all about “allowing nature to do its thing, without taking over (too much),” as well as growing his own powers of observation. Plus, he adds, “It’s a practice in humility. I think it’s difficult for humans to see themselves as part of the greater whole, and I like fighting for the underdog!”
Sharon
It should come as no surprise to you that Sharon is an avid collector of art. “Some art makes my heart sing!” she says. She is also appreciative of art that is mindful of the environment, as you can see with that penguin pal—and, she notes, “The environment is art.” (We think Jack would probably agree. See also: previous post.) She’s passing along her appreciation of art to her loved ones, too, because, as she says, “You’re never too young to experience art!” Swipe through to the end to see Sharon’s grandkid at work: a portrait of the artist as a tiny tot! We hope this art makes your heart sing today, too.
Katie
Katie has been an artist for as long as she can remember. “My first masterpiece was a life-sized horse I created by peeling the paper off the drywall in my bedroom at age five,” she says. From there she never stopped: she went on to major in Studio Art and Art History in college, and then began working for Artists Circle. Later, she would serve on the board of an arts nonprofit that supports the arts in Mount Airy, Maryland, where she currently lives. Katie comes from a family of artists, including her Grandma (Nana), who inspired Katie with her appreciation of the natural world. Katie is an artist because, she jokes, “It is slightly cheaper than therapy! No, but really, art restores my mind after a long day of working and parenting. Creating art gives me a way to express feelings I can’t always articulate with words.” Well articulated, Katie! 😉 Of the importance of making art, Katie says, “Not everyone has to have a creative pursuit, but those who do are contributing a lot to the world; most importantly, they are sharing part of themselves with others, which allows for open discourse about feelings, current events, politics, psychology, and history.” What a perfect observation for this current moment, when that type of communication can feel so difficult. Thanks for everything you do, Katie!
Dan
Dan, our lead installer, is really into music. Sometimes, in the office, he’ll have his headphones in so he can listen to the artists he loves. He also is a musician himself, and has been playing music for 23 years. Dan picked up the bass guitar 5 years ago, and says that playing and writing music is a fun, satisfying way to express himself. When asked why he thinks it’s important for people to have a creative practice, he said, “I would say it’s important to be creative so you can illustrate the unique way you view things.” Well said, Dan! That’s good to keep in mind during these divisive times.
Bonnie
Bonnie just started creating jewelry this past fall, but look at how incredible she is at it. She made this ring in a class she took this year that she describes as “challenging and enjoyable.” (Note Bonnie’s use of the word “and” here. A lot of people would’ve said “challenging BUT enjoyable.” Not our Bonnie—she likes a challenge. “I think it’s important to challenge yourself,” she says.) She enrolled in the class, taught by a master goldsmith, at the urging of a friend, and ended up loving the art form. “Whether it’s cooking, knitting, painting, or whatever, it is a remarkable feeling creating something with your own hands,” Bonnie says. What are you waiting for? It’s time to start that project you’ve been meaning to get to for ages. Take it from Bonnie: you’ll be happy you did.
Sarah
Sarah is a visual artist, as you can see with this oil painting. “There is something about the way you can sculpt oil paint with the brush that is so satisfying!” she says. Painting, for her, “is a lesson in patience and focus.” But Sarah’s not just a painter; she’s also really committed to home improvement and building. She renovated her entire house herself! “Those projects are like giant logic puzzles in terms of space and function. It’s so fun to make my living space that much more efficient and beautiful.” You can see one of Sarah’s small home projects to the right: a mini vegetable garden she keeps with her kids. In Sarah’s opinion, creativity acts as an escape from and a way to challenge yourself in the digital age. “No matter what creative endeavor one chooses, it is so important to have one as a way to exercise that right brain.”
Clare
Clare does mean to brag when she tells you that this is probably only two thirds of the books she’s read in the last three years. The rest are either in a different stack on the other side of the room (😱) or at a Salvation Army in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Of course, reading isn’t Clare’s only creative pursuit. “I write,” she says simply. “If I don’t have any writing projects in the works, the world loses a lot of its vibrancy for me. I spend all my time either writing or feeling guilty or pointless because I’m not writing.” That’s why she thinks it’s important for everyone to have some kind of creative inner life: “I think producing work that’s unique to who you are is the best way to understand yourself and your relationship to the world you live in. And that’s the first step to figuring out how to live a good life.” She got her MFA and then did a yearlong fellowship in poetry at the University of Michigan, where she produced a book-length manuscript of poems. “That’s not going to be my first book, though,” she explains. “A lot of those poems feel so young and overstated. I’m much better now, and I want to write a book of all greatest hits. ‘NO SKIPS,’ my poet friend Kaylie Johnson and I always say.” A few of her poems have been accepted here and there for publication. If you Google her, you’ll probably find her. “Oh,” she adds, “I also write nonfiction.”
Whatever your creative endeavor these days, we hope you are finding fulfilling ways to engage your bodies and minds! Check back here for more content in the coming days and weeks to help get you inspired, and be sure to also follow us on Instagram @artistscircle.