Each of us has a voice inside and we
can hear it if we attend to it. Sometimes it comes in whispers in
the night and other times it will scream at us. Most of the time we
ignore this chatter and deny ourselves a quicker path toward
creativity; but there are times when we really listen and our
personal lives are guided and enriched.
When I first began creating the Ancestors©, my voice came booming
loud and strong. The figures took shape, grew, multiplied, and
changed. This took place over many years. My skills grew as I
acknowledged my intuition and I continued to explore my “voice”. The
result was success, passion, and a good business.
A couple of years ago, I became aware of the doll movement and of
all the wonderful teachers, classes, patterns, and community. I
enrolled in some classes here and there, bought patterns (most of
which remain unused in a file cabinet!!), and was delighted at what
I was discovering. AND I stopped listening to my voice. What
happened was an erosion in my own self confidence – I began
questioning myself: was I making “good” dolls? Were they “wrong”
because I hadn’t come from a sewing background? Were my techniques
incorrect. I made many mistakes and the biggest one was being untrue
to myself. I was so caught up in monitoring myself and not hearing
my own voice, that I lost my spirit.
I have now reclaimed it. These beaded figures have the same power
and energy the early Ancestors had and once again I am singing with
my spirit. When we all learn to give credence to what we really KNOW
inside, we will fly.
Classes, patterns, and outside influences are there to enhance
our skills and zest for dollmaking. They are wonderful and I thank
all those who have contributed and enriched my understanding of this
very special artform. And if in my growth I have offended any of my
“teachers” I apologize and say Thank you anyway, for giving your
“voice” to the rest of us.
These Spirit Walkers have renewed my creative energy. I hope they
speak to you.
