2400 Fahrenheit

Last Saturday, Brian and I drove to Volcano to visit 2400 Fahrenheit, the glassblowing studio of Michael and Misato Mortara, two of the premier glassblowers working on the Big Island.  It was the weekend of their annual open house and sale, which is generally held around July 4th each year.  In addition to having special pricing on pieces in their gallery, they and several other local glass artists were offering amazing prices on some of their “seconds,” pieces that look pretty darn good but aren’t up to the artists’ exacting standards.

2400 Fahrenheit, the gallery of Michael & Misato Mortara

There, we also saw a glassblowing demonstration by Stephanie Ross and Hugh Jenkins of Big Island Glass, another team of glassblowing artists who work in Honokaa.  I love that the glass community here — people who could consider themselves competitors — are so collaborative and supportive of each other.  Interestingly, Hugh was Michael’s first glassblowing instructor, at Punahou high school on Oahu.  Wouldn’t you like to have attended a school with such amazing artistic facilities?  I know I would have.

Hugh Jenkins and Stephanie Ross work on a piece, while Michael Mortara looks on.

The highlight of the trip for me was meeting Patricia Larsen-Goodin, a local lampwork artist who handcrafts glass beads and jewelry from her Volcano home.  Patricia offered to introduce me to lampwork and she gave me a whole list of fun websites and artists to check out.  Since lampwork was already on my must-try list of art forms, I was thrilled!  We’re headed to Volcano for a visit next week.

As I’ve mentioned, I’ve been looking for glass art instructors since I first arrived on the Big Island.  It’s so funny that, as my time here winds down, I found a lampwork artist who volunteered to teach me.  I didn’t even ask.  “The Artist’s Way” talks about acknowledging moments of synchronicity, when something you’ve thought about or wished for comes to you spontaneously.  I think meeting Patricia definitely counts!

Have you had any moments of synchronicity recently?

Happy Wednesday,

Kate - Is it? I had no idea. Guess I'm not up-to-date on Bon Jovi.

Paul - I thought 2400°F was a Bon Jovi album

Artist’s Way reading deprivation?!

Julia Cameron sure has my number. For about six weeks now, I’ve been studying her book, “The Artist’s Way,” a twelve-week course to rediscover your creativity.  Because I’m a week behind schedule, I  just completed chapter four.  As soon as I read the chapter introduction, in which she states, “Warning: Do not skip the tool of reading deprivation!,” I knew I was in big trouble.

I read constantly.  New books, old favorites, my blog, other people’s blogs, random things I find online, whatever.  I like lots and lots of input.  I know I spend too much time reading, and I should have expected something like this from “The Artist’s Way” when, in week two, one of the assignments was to track where you spend your time.  Then, last week, I was supposed to look at any self-destructive habits and determine what the payoff of each is.  I’m self-aware enough to know that, for me, reading is a form of avoidance, but I enjoy it.  The reading ban was thus a day-by-day, moment-to-moment challenge.

Why is it even important to the program, you might ask.  In Julia’s words:

For most blocked creatives, reading is an addiction.  We gobble the words of others rather than digest our own thoughts and feelings, rather than cook up something of our own.

Giving up reading may seem like a fairly simple thing to do until you understand the point of the exercise.  Not only are you not allowed to read, you’re also prohibited from filling your well with other external input, including Facebook, email, tv and movies, gossiping with friends…  When you think of the reading deprivation in those terms, what else are you left with?  Yourself, and your own resources.  Ok, Julia, I get it.  How did I do?

Day 1: To avoid reading, I listen to music, talk to Brian and dance around the house for a little while in the morning.  Then I drive Brian to his flight lesson and get the bright idea that, instead of sitting in the hot sun waiting for him, I’d cruise by the bookstore.  What?!  I’m not supposed to be reading and yet here I am, writing this blog post on the patio of Borders in Kona, thousands of books only steps away inside the comfy, air-conditioned building.  Oh, and to make matters truly ridiculous, I stop by the local used bookstore on the way and buy a new novel.  I know, I’m a total glutton for punishment.  I pledge to hold off on starting my new book, however, until after the reading deprivation week has finished.

Day 2:  Like any good addict, I try to distract myself from jonesing for my next fix by talking on the phone for two hours (a common occurrence and mistake, Julia says), going for a walk and yes, you guessed it, couching reading in terms of “research I need to do to plan the next leg of our trip.”  I spend way too much time surfing the Internet looking at airfare, transportation options and apartment rentals in our new home city, anything I could think of that seemed legitimate, but is, of course, a complete relapse.  I end the day watching an episode of “So You Think You Can Dance” because I’d been so “good” and deserved it.  Yeah, right.

Day 3: I awaken ready to face the music.  I know I’ve been bad and I am going to do better.  I hand over my iPhone to Brian so I can’t obsessively check email — I’m allowing myself once per day — and we head out for an island air tour that thankfully keeps me engaged in the real world for all of the morning and early afternoon.  Later, as we run some errands, I realize that I had been casually perusing some tour pamphlets while at Brian’s flight academy.  D’oh!  Why is it so hard to avoid reading?  Once home, I rededicate myself to the task by taking a nap, writing up some ideas for future blog posts, and reviewing our videos and photos from the air tour.  I also secure my evening fix by asking Brian if he wants to watch a movie together.  I figure if it’s a joint venture, it’s legit, or is that junkie rationale talking again?

Day 4: The high point of my week, I practice yoga in the morning and then have an inspiration: I will create an online gallery to sell some of my art prints.  I spend most of the day choosing photos and setting up the gallery while hanging out in the real world and keeping my Internet obsession under control.  Feel free (and accomplished!) for the first time since starting the deprivation.  Get a little wound up before bed, however, so I read less than a chapter of a novel before going to sleep.

Day 5: A lazy day leads to complete meltdown.  Brian proposes a movie day!  We agree to go see the newest Twilight movie in the theater, and then return home to the first two Star Wars films on video.  I fall asleep watching The Phantom Menace and remove myself to the bedroom for a nap, then rejoin Brian for Attack of the Clones.  Ugh, I feel a total reversal of all the great work yesterday and go to bed grumpy.

Day 6: I awaken feeling uninspired, but Brian is up and at ’em, practicing yoga and then going for a 4-mile run.  I pick up the computer to write while eating breakfast and psych myself into getting out of the house and going for a walk.  Upon returning home, I tackle our to-do list by scanning 130 documents for safekeeping, and then we leave the house to watch the local 4th of July parade and see fireworks.  I reward myself with some fiction before bed.  All in all, a productive day.

Day 7: Last day!  I check in with my Artist’s Way partner-in-crime to review our progress, and then I contact some folks about other artistic endeavors.  Brian and I review our to-do list so we can prepare for the next phase of our trip, and I continue work on my new photo gallery.  In the afternoon, I attend my first hula class and come home to write up some notes for my next photography lesson with Laurie.  Along the way, I do some Internet research, which I know is banned, but on day 7, it’s time to start phasing back into reality (or so I tell myself).

Revelations: Reading deprivation week was not easy, but I felt a lot better when I was adhering to it.  I have a strong guilt instinct so that’s part of the reason, but I also accomplished so much more when I wasn’t playing on the Internet or reading all the time.  I’m leaving the week feeling so inspired to conquer the world and achieve great things, and so much happier and healthier than when I was constantly anesthetizing myself with other people’s words.  I definitely won’t continue the reading deprivation, but I am considering restricting novel reading during the day and saving it for evening and bedtime.  Imagine how much more I could accomplish if I do!

Have you ever done something that you really didn’t want to do, but the experience turned out to be surprisingly worthwhile or even life altering?

I’d love to hear about it,

Boost your creativity: Stop reading. | In the crowds - […] To see how others fared with reading deprivation, try the unofficial The Artist’s Way blog and Watson’s Unleashed. This entry was posted in creativity and tagged creativity, The Artist's Way, reading. […]

Kate - Parts of Hawaii are paradise, but Kona can be awfully gray these days from vog and it has been raining in the afternoons/evenings this summer. I hear you on silencing the inner critic. I think you've been doing a great job with your blog – keep it up! And thanks for the encouragement.

Jody - Wow! what a dynamic post. I loved reading your day by day account. I have to be honest, at first I thought, “man, she has to tear herself away from email in the Paradise that is Hawaii???” haha. But seriously, I think that it is great that you are challenging yourself to answer the hard questions so that it will push you to grow and evolve. I would say that I don't write as much as I want to, not because I fill my time by reading (I actually don't like reading much) but rather, prioritizing my time in a way that puts writing time at the top. I'm also doing better because I'm silencing my inner critic and just “putting it all out there” with no expectations. It is hard though. For sure, go easy on yourself. AND RELAX!! 🙂 You have a tremendous amount of creativity to unleash 😉 on the world in all different forms. In time as you are ready, it will come out.

Kate - Can't wait to hear about it!

Coach Cassandra Rae - I actually just started Morning Pages about a month ago. But, I've had a Daily Practice for like 5 years. Just today I devised a new way to do Morning Pages that works so much better for me. I've already started drafting a blog post about it.

Kate - Glad I could help! You've been doing morning pages for a long time now, haven't you? I like them so far, although I've had my moments with them. Compassion and forgiveness are nice gifts to give ourselves, thanks for the reminder. 🙂

Kate - Thanks, Danielle!

Coach Cassandra Rae - This blog post was exactly what I needed to get myself back into the flow of my Morning Pages & jump-start my creativity. Thank you so much! I love how you shared so openly and honestly about your process. This might sound wrong…but, it's endearing to hear about your “pitfalls.” I think it's helping me be more compassionate and forgiving of myself, which is really empowering for the creative process. Thanks again for publishing this post & supporting me in the process. *hugs*

Sally - I'm totally exhausted after reading all of the thought provoking things you had to keep yourself from doing. I'm so thankful my life is so uncomplicated. I try to live each day as if there is no tomorrow and thus far it's working fairly well. Much luck in your future chapters. MOM

Danielle - Your posts are so thought provoking!

Disappearing Reviews, Pt 3

“We received two photo sessions- maternity and newborn- w/ Kate as a gift from my wonderful sister-in-law. What a fabulous present, something that will always be with us.

Both times we met with Kate were stress-free and she was great about capturing moments in time that look natural and classic instead of forced and posed.

We’re in the Monterey Bay area and Kate came to us and was great about letting us do our maternity session at the beach. I’m looking forward to having her do our son’s pictures when he turns a year old.”Aja

Art adventures: Jewelry making

I have tried a variety of things to reinvigorate my creativity recently. I am teaching photography and image editing to a local woman; I have taken my 5D out on a couple of shoots (only to return it to its bag rather quickly); and I recently started Julia Cameron’s 12-week creativity course with a photographer friend.  It was only after taking my glassblowing class last month that I felt something really shift for me.  In order to keep the creative momentum going, I signed up for another art class ASAP.

Late last month, I visited Pikake Beads on Ali’i Drive for a beginner jewelry-making class.  I love jewelry and was mildly interested in making some even though I thought it just involved stringing together a couple of beads and attaching a pre-made earring hook.  Not so.

I spent more than three hours there, first learning basic wire-wrapping techniques from store owner, Jasmin, and then creating one pair of earrings (with Jasmin’s help).  Wire wrapping and jewelry design are more difficult than I expected.  I’m definitely not a natural, but I like it.  So much so that I returned again last week to make a bracelet.  I again needed some help from the friendly staff, but I’m loving the experience of creating something with my hands.

First decorative wire wraps – practice during class

My first earrings

First bracelet

What art forms do you enjoy?  Any you think I should check out?

Thanks,

Kate - Thank you, Cassandra! I'm slowly embracing the “a”rtist word. I'm loving exploring new art forms – lampwork is coming soon.

Coach Cassandra Rae - I missed this post – it was published while I was on vacation :~) You are quite the artist, Kate. Keep exploring. I'm having fun watching where it's taking you.

Kate - Thanks, Mom! Maybe we can do stained glass together in Australia.

Sally - The jewelry is super fantastic – congratulations on very creative designs. I like all of the glass – especially the cobalt blue. I'm still sticking to the stain glass idea – but maybe when I actually retire. Mom

Kate - I'll keep that in mind for gift time. 🙂

Amanda - Ooooohhh, pretty, make me some! LOL 😀

Kate Watson - Thank you, Mary! I looked into ceramics classes here on the Big Island. The only ones I could find are private lessons at $180/class, so it looks like I'll be waiting until our next destination for clay. Definitely seems like something I'd enjoy, though; thanks for the recommendation!

Mary - Hi Kate, your earrings and bracelet are very pretty. Love the bracelet especially! I really enjoy sculpture, although I have not gotten my hands on any clay in years. I think you would be great at it, and may find it very relaxing. You could even apply the wire wrapping you have learned to the sculpting if you make clay beads. 🙂

Art adventures: Glass blowing

“You were number two.  Cougar was number one.  Cougar lost it, turned in his wings.  You guys are number one.”
Top Gun

In the realm of visual arts, sculpture has always been my number two, and photography my number one.  Then I lost it. Now sculpture, and particularly working with glass, is my number one.  For how long is anyone’s guess.

I searched high and low for a glass blowing instructor on the Big Island — even posted an ad on Craig’s List — and then I found Geoff Lee‘s Island Glassworks in Kailua. Not Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where we currently live… Kailua, Oahu.  I emailed back and forth with Geoff a few times, and he was willing to work with me to fit what is regularly a four-week group class into an intensive, one-on-one class (four hours per day over two days). Last week, Brian and I packed our bags and flew to Oahu for a few days.

Let me just say, I loved it!  I had assumed that working with 2000-degree liquid would be hectic and a little scary, but it wasn’t.  Once I learned the safety procedures, I found it to be pretty relaxing and enjoyable (although still hot).  In just two days, I made nine pieces — from small paperweights to glass platters to a vase as tall as my hand — with the supervision and assistance of my instructor, Emily, who has been working with glass since the age of 16.  Here’s a snapshot of the two of us:

On day two, Brian also came along to capture some video, and I edited it into a short movie of me making my first cylindrical vessel (drinking glass):

And this is my collection thus far:

What do you think?  Is there an art form you’ve been wanting to learn, but you haven’t taken that next step yet?

My glass blowing experience has inspired me to take more hot and warm glass-working classes as we continue our journey, and I plan to explore other art forms as well.  Stay tuned for more of my artistic adventures!
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40 Things to Do Before 40 » KateWatson.net - […] world (Tutea Falls in New Zealand at just under 23 feet, in case you were wondering), learned to blow glass, and snuggled with a newborn elephant. So many good […]

On Creative Recovery and the True Self » KateWatson.net - […] It is my second time through this material. The first time, I was completely blocked. I had just closed my photography business after a several-year-long slide into creative depression (more on that another time). My big win from reading The Artist’s Way and completing the exercises was to create again. Afterward, I was inspired to design a framework and course to help other photographers avoid the pit I’d fallen into and, on a more personal note, I found a love for watercolor painting and other new creative outlets. […]

Kate - Thank you, I'm having lots of fun!

Coach Cassandra Rae - What a fab collection! Have fun exploring and expressing your creativity :~)

Kate - Thanks, Erin! I'm having so much fun with new art forms. First, glassblowing and more recently, jewelry making. Who knows where I'll go from here. How is Bobbin's Nest?

Erin - Watch out Dale Chihuly! There's a new glassblower in town! AWESOME KATE! Congrats on pushing the limits in a new art form. ~Erin

Kate - That's funny. Stained glass doesn't interest me much at all, because it seems too easy. But I'd be willing to take a class with you, if you wanted. 🙂

Sally - I've always wanted to dabble in stain glass window works – but have been very afraid of cutting my hands. so needless to say I've done nothing about learning the technique. i”ve thought about other people doing what I want done. I've contacted two people but now respose. I guess I'll have to wait and waiting isn't a bad thing. I think your glass blowing class developed many wonderful things that you can be proud of.