I’m not creative!
Or so I thought, but now know
factory-installed
~Mary Ellen Bratu
Dear Mary Ellen,
Mark-making?
Making marks?
Squares, and dots, and squiggles that don’t have to look like anything in particular?
I can blow paint around the paper with my straw?
And write words… if want to?
On a warm and sunny August day I walked through the door of The Well Within Workshop and immediately felt like I belonged. You have created such an inviting space. I loved feeling welcomed into the comfy seating area right inside the front door, surrounded by shelves and books. You offered refreshments before sharing a little bit about your studio, your self, your hopes, a story, and some delectable quotes. I felt cared for.
And next? We went to the art tables — each space equipped with tools, a colorful palette, and a light so that we could really see.
I wanted my work to look like yours.
To me your work-in-progress was neat, muted, organized, and tidy. What came through my hands was… bold, and kind of haphazard. 🤷🏻♀️ This is me? Huh…
The biggest surprise came when Thalia (my Muse of Wit) insisted for weeks that we pick up some paints and paper of our own to experiment with at our table. Again… I started with an aim to imitate what I saw you create.
Thalia had different ideas.
We’ve played and experimented. Now we are trying to freehand our own versions of animals and people, flowers and foggy forests.
I had no idea that what is coming through my hands was factory-installed, just waiting for me to hit the ON button, and turn up the volume. Thank you for inspiring me to find the switch.
You make me want to be a better person.
Gratitude and Love,
Gail
Follow this link learn more about Mary Ellen’s work:
The Well Within Workshop
Decisive
I'm so honored that you came to my studio and that I got the chance to make marks with you and since to watch the veritable explosion of creativity coming through you. You inspire me! When I hear you say, "I started with an aim to imitate what I saw" I think, "Yes, me too!!" I know now that we all start with the impulse to imitate--even the greatest mark-makers did the same...and then you and I and they cross over that threshold to the place where we truly find the marks that we're here to make, our own particular signature, the ones that feel so rich and so ripe coming off the arm, hand, fingers. May every participant at The Well Within Workshop feel so ignited to tap their own well within and then to find themselves so well watered and fed by this creative practice...and wherever else the practice may lead. How lucky am I to have crossed paths with you at The Creative's Workshop with Akimbo. I couldn't be happier for you for where your practice is taking you. And I so much appreciate you sharing the link to my workshop here in your post. I'm so glad we've stayed in touch.
“Leadership” is what popped into my mind as I read this tribute to Mary Ellen’s The Well Within Workshop. Leadership may seem an odd fit. No grand parade, marching bands, military flyovers. Solemn “State of Something” remarks not heard?
Well, what is leading by example? Or encouraging others to take inward journeys. Next thing you know they will be blowing paint with a straw! Unruly!
This story offered me a wonderful, alternate way to see leadership.
Thank you both for your example.