In the later half of my twenties, what I’ve been telling myself over and over again is that it’s ok to take up space. I think I need that reminder, as a person and especially as a creative. The more creativity I pour into spaces other than the echo chamber of my brain, the more creativity I’ll have. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Taking up space can so often feel selfish, I think especially as women we try to tuck ourselves away... but I have been unapologetically embracing spreading out; now, and there’s more to it than taking up our entire garage as a studio. ⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Giving yourself permission to take up space can signal growth— and before I fully gave myself the permission to grow, about a year ago, I hadn’t thought of space in terms of growth but. Here’s what it’s meant to me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Growth in spatial terms means, in the particular order... taking up space in the home— Hanging art even if it’s a rental. Taking up space in your doctor’s schedule. Arts walk displays. Stickers on water bottles and anything else I can. Booths at markets. Providing wholesale to retail locations. Providing continual new ideas and inventory to consignment locations and building relationships with stockists and fellow makers. Making art just for fun, like painting pots and picture frames. Making goods people will use and wear in their daily lives, echoing those good creative and intentional vibes or whatever. Teaching folks how to stoke and nurture their own creative fires through patterns, classes, and supplies, and talks at quilt guild meetings. networking with local business ladies and sharing knowledge. Collaborating with women that inspire me. Showing up in public as a wife, mother, and working artist. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here’s a mantra I use a lot: The more creativity I give, the more I have. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And one more thought— I don’t think creating an authentic space can even be contained to one room. It’s about the community you contribute to and the wake of your energy and intentions. ⠀
Originally posted on instagram: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #marchmeetthemaker day 10 “authentic space” hosted by @joannehawker⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀