Connecting to Earth
I have been making art of one sort of another my entire life. First in the world of classical ballet and music, and then in visual art. I have a Master of Fine Arts degree, and I have had the great honor of being an ArtPop Street Gallery artist. Twice. I was awarded a mural project at the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. I have had gallery shows and solo exhibits in Statesville, Cincinnati, and Long Island, NY. I’ve had books of my poetry published – and my writings have been included in a couple of compendia.
But, what I find really matters to me now, as I make my way through the second half of my life – my adventure-filled, incredibly richly textured, creative life, is that I bring attention to the issues around overproduction and overconsumption.
Like most people, I knew there were concerns about the environment. I put the recyclables into the bin, and I thought I was doing just fine. But when I opened a retail yarn store with my partner, and I realized it doesn’t matter if you’re talking about people buying things, or people making things, there is just too much in the way of…well…things. What started as an episode of a show on the YouTube channel I ran at the time has turned into nearly six years of:
- Seeking ways to make a living making fewer things
- Seeking ways to make a living making 100% American things
- Buying MUCH less clothing
- Making less clothing
- Making less art – and focusing on making meaning
- Buying MUCH fewer art supplies
- And…trying to find my voice around sustainability and the environment
I’ve arrived at a place that has occasionally felt frustrating and depressing. But it has also been freeing.
Anyway, welcome to my journey. I’m glad you’re here.