If there's one thing that I've learnt about life in the 42 years that I've been on this planet is that there is no certainty... In fact, I'm certain of it! As much as we may try to create a solidity or a structure around our lives, as much as we develop routines, rely on patterns of behaviour, on schedules, on systems - at the end of the day, these things are just not certainty-proof... Most of us are seeking a kind of certainty, don't you find... We strive for a certain world because we fear the unknown... We fear losing control... Even, in the world of aesthetics - we are striving for a certain outcome... We create plans, models, schemes - to ensure a kind of certainty in our work... But in reality, no outcome is ever truly certain... And why would you want it to be I wonder... For the uncertain outcome is often the most exciting... We spend a lot of time in the workshops at The Little Cottage looking at the idea of uncertainty in creativity and design... I find that most women who come along to the studio are looking for a kind of certainty - they're hoping to find the skills they need to decorate in a way that dazzles... And while decorating is about accruing and testing skills - it's just as much about being aware of and then embracing uncertainty... Speak to most creative luminaries and they bring with them the same story - the story of finding peace in the face of uncertainty... In the face of the unknown outcome... As creatives, we need not to fear uncertainty but to embrace it... It is in this uncertain space that the most dazzling beauty lies... If you can bring yourself to let go - to free fall (metaphorically speaking) - then you find trust... You find trust in yourself... In your work... In your life... And when you trust yourself in this way - then you can tap into the beauty within at any time... And that, I believe, is the one thing that is, for certain...
p.s if you're a Shannon Fricke WorkShoppper - recent or past - then send me a line and let me know what you're up to... I'm planning some more 'Where Are They Now' posts and would love to hear your story to include in a post... With pics too... send them to my email HERE
pic from taverne
2 comments:
Again, such wise words to soak up and, I hope, draw upon when most needed. Thank you Shannon.
wow, just read this ... quite deep , very insightful & reflective and at the same time what echos in the minds of alot of us yet is unspoken :-) ... thanks :-)
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