Returning to myself

Dear Reader,

Since I was very little, I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum whenever possible, eschewing directions and rules along the way. I was a good student, but extremely talkative, and even though I got good grades, my elementary school report cards always said, “does not follow directions.” It’s no surprise that any traditional jobs I’ve ever had left me unfulfilled, and I always knew that I had to find my own way in the world.

It’s infinitely easier to work for yourself now more than it ever was before. The main reason for this is the internet. While the internet can be overwhelming, if you find your own little corner, it isn’t. For me, the internet world that I’ve created consists of my website and my newsletter. These spaces feel like independent environments on the internet that belong to me, where I get to make my own rules. This is where I like to focus my energy, because it nourishes me. These worlds that I have created for myself on the internet are where I share my work. When you build a website, it doesn’t come with an audience, and it can feel like you’re languishing in obscurity. But making art with no direct audience feedback forces you to see yourself. When someone signs up for my newsletter, I recognize that it’s a big investment, much bigger than following me on social media. But doesn’t this allow me the opportunity to focus my energy to build deeper connections? I feel like the people who have to go much more out of their way to find my website or sign up for my newsletter are my people. The folks who get what I’m doing in my littler corner of the world, and it resonates with them. I’m grateful for these people.

When you share work on a platform you know that there are people on the other side receiving what you share. In the process, you might get a like, a comment, or possibly a reshare. These dopamine hits are immediate and it can certainly be a boost for your self esteem. But, when I share new work on my website and when I write my newsletter each week, there’s often a silence. It feels more personal and almost private, like I’m sharing a notebook filled with ideas. Maybe you might hear something back or maybe not. Without the feedback, I am centered in my process and my own practice, separate from the validation of being on a platform. I don’t have a model to follow because I have defined my own. The experience of creating in my own little corner of the internet feels infinite, but not draining. In direct contrast with sharing my creations on platforms which feels limited and exhausting, because the world is not my own.

I appreciate all of you who choose to be here and read my newsletter. Have a wonderful week. And, I hope to see you around the studio. Please, tell your friends.

xo,

Christa

Last week at a glance

Not that interesting, since I basically just made things while I listened to audio books and podcasts.

• When I came downstairs on Thursday morning I found our 13 year old dog at the back door trembling. I had no idea what was wrong, so I wrapped him in fleece blankets and we called the vet. After a trip to PETS where he had bloodwork, and an ultra sound, they sent him home with herbs for blood clotting and by the next morning he was his old self. We don’t know what happened, but he’s doing great.

  

• I started watching the show, The Beast Within Me and I would highly recommend it.

• I Bird by Bird Some Instructions on Writing and Life to the pile of books by my bed. I now have about nine books on the pile and it’s getting ridiculous.

• I dropped off some more crochet clothes and necklaces at at River Pearl Studio.

• I had a show on Sunday, which I am going to remove from my list of shows for next year. The people who run it are very nice, and they do a great job, but the show wasn’t very busy, and I really don’t think it’s a good fit for me. I only sold one thing. Thankfully, it was a very big ticket item.

• I made some waffles and we had them with homemade whipped cream and strawberry syrup.

• I made chocolate chip muffins.

• I prepped some patchwork fabric so I can make some mushroom ornaments.

  

  November shows

  • The Millworks-November 29

  • Gifts That Give Hope Gift Fair-November 30

  Links

  • Email: wildchildfibers@gmail.com

    Website: https://www.wildchildfibers.com

    Gallery: here

    Book a shopping appointment: here

    Anytime 20% off discount in the online store for subscribers

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you.