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.