And So They Build
"And So They Build" - Children's Educational Book Written and Illustrated by Bert Kitchen
As an Artist I view the act of Creation as a Call to Action. Not being particularly political, it is hard not to have some pretty strong reactions in light of the current chain of events in our country. I try to push most of it out of my head (feeling slightly guilty at all times for not being more up to date on important issues). I don't really watch t.v. or read the paper and get most of my news from online sources. Even that is limited these days. However, it has been hard not to get caught up in the feeling of impending doom and anger as our country faces a major shift very soon. Like many people, I am filled with a sense of despair and confusion as to how things got this far.
While I don't have it in me to push myself into the forefront of this situation, I do have it in me to do what I do best. I am an Artist. When I have a strong reaction to something, good or bad, I have a inexplicable need to create something. These days, much of what I do is with two beautiful little people in tow. So, like it or not, they are often involved with my creative process these days. (Most times they enjoy it!). And with that said, these two young souls soak everything in, so whatever we create has a positive message.
Getting outside has become our mantra. Nature has become our classroom. The role that nature plays in our lives has become more focused and articulated over the past year then ever before. Although our small voices may not be heard by many, whatever we make will send a message to the Universe at large and will be made outdoors. And that is what is important to me and what I want to teach my children. Even though you may not feel like you have control over a situation, you do have control over your actions. And really "control" over anything is one big illusion anyways. We will be making some Land Art soon to portray a positive message that will act our small but real way of giving a little push back against the darkness.
The bowerbird has recently been brought to our attention while watching a Nature Program. This incredibly talented architect of a bird goes to great lengths to draw attention to itself, in the hopes of finding the perfect mate. They construct an elaborate structure and collect and carefully display colorful objects to make themselves stand out. This careful attention to detail is accompanied by the many songs or copied bird calls that he can mimic. A bird that seems to embody a musician, an architect, and an artist. Wow.
As we are always collecting things, maybe not on this grand of a scale, but collecting nonetheless, this bird seems as though he should be our mascot! Somehow, I'd like to keep him in the back of our minds as we try to figure out what type of art to make. Of course Andy Goldsworthy is one we will look at again before heading out the door as well. This environmental artist is forever on my mind as we make small arrangements with our natural materials from time to time. And one that I talk about with my kids already.
This leaf wrapped Sycamore tree is one of Goldsworthy's temporary artworks, and speaks volumes both with it's impermanence and presence. Now where to find this type of color in the middle of winter is another story. But I have some ideas...
Last but not least, we have been feeding our back yard birds on a somewhat regular basis this winter thus far and when offering up a message of hope to the universe, giving back seems somewhat appropriate. Not sure exactly how to work it in but these cute little orange cup bird feeders we made the other day may work themselves in somehow.
Whatever we make I can promise you this, it will not be big but it will be beautiful! Wish us luck on this venture! And check back soon to see the message of hope that comes forth from an artist mom and her two kids, four and one. : ) Small voices do matter...and so we build.
