Tag: Family

Ode to the Bowl

 

bowl-3 

Who would have ever thought

A bowl could hold ties to memories brought

By a little bundle that took us like an explosion

On a seven year ride, seemingly without stop in motion. 

 

It went from holding snacks, to spaghetti, to desserts

Always allowing for those sneaky, sharing flirts

Finally reigning supreme over the breakfast tradition

A known comfort as life goes through countless transitions.

 

What happens when you hear out of the blue,

As you are adding the magic organic moo,

“Grandma, I’m big now, I’m seven years old,

I don’t think I need the baby bowl,” you’re told.

 

 
 

 

 
 

Lucky me!

I am a very lucky woman. I belong to a family of artists. Hence, my decor includes beautiful gifts.  There is nothing better than knowing that someone has given you something that is an integral part of themselves.

From my mother, Gert Svarny, an alabaster scupture.
From my mother, Gert Svarny, an alabaster scupture, "The Storyteller".

My friend, also an artist, just commented the other day – “You have a studio available to you right next door, and you aren’t there EVERYDAY???”  Well, I promised my mother, after April 30th, when StoryCorps wraps up.

A model iqyax^ made by my husband, Caleb. He is crazy with the miniature tools!
A model iqyax^ made by my husband, Caleb. He is crazy with the miniature tools!

My mother did something that I also did with my kids, and that my daughter is doing with her son.  She allowed us free rein with art – mainly by providing us with blank paper and a medium.  Allowing young kids to experiment with art, and by this I mean young – as soon as they can sit up – gets those creative impulses pulsing. 

Water is hard to capture, but Alena manages with subtle style.
Water is hard to capture, but Alena manages with subtle style.

I have noticed that the younger the child is when introduced to art as an expression of self, the better equipped they are in allowing themselves to be creative.

Laresa isn't afraid of experimenting with color and style.
Laresa isn't afraid to experiment with color and style.

Living in communities that support their schools is one of the keys to having a heathy population.  I hope to never live in an area where the arts are not offered to the students in a community.  If a community is without an arts program in their school, teachers should play an important role in incorporating art into the other subjects that they teach. 

Made from an ivory tusk, Gert ground ochre to make the paint.
A snuff box, made from an ivory tusk, also showcases how Gert grinds ochre to make her paint.

The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico was “home” to two of my sisters in the 80’s and to one of my daughters after high school in 2000.  

One of my favorite Svarny Hawthorne prints - "Flashbacks".
One of my favorite Svarny Hawthorne prints - "Flashbacks".

I am continually amazed at the multitudes of artists that we have in our community.  Two- and three-dimensional artists, musicians, writers, poets, photographers, wood workers  – you name it – we have it. 

I love the textures that Alena used in "The Octopus".
I love the textures that Alena used in "The Octopus".

Incorporating where you live and who  you are play a huge role in the success of your work.  Just as writers should write what they know, artists should take from their environment and their community values to create.

One of Laresa's assignments, utilizing the environment, culture, and language is one of my favorites.
One of Laresa's assignments, using the environment, culture, & language, is a favorite.

 

Expression can take all forms.  My oldest sister has a passion for language and a furious ability to champion and protect the environment.   My good friend Jerah can paint a picture with words.   I shouldn’t have been, but I was totally surprised when I found out my kids had been composing their own music.

Bentwood drum.
A bentwood drum, Caleb.

So…when the storms are bent on keeping you cooped up inside, read about something you don’t know about, learn a new instrument, or pick a medium and have at it.