Letting Go
out with the old
ART & LIFE IN BOOKS by Sas Colby
First
I am selling all my books
about art
and art theories,
aware that I don't want to be so strongly influenced
by what others say,
wanting
my art to come from an
authentic place
within me,
getting ride of external trappings
so that I can be closer to myself
and what I know from
inside.
Second
I am selling all of my books about how to
live life
feeling
that at age 40
an open heart and
a third eye will guide me.
Does it sound as if I think I know it all?
Here's something I never told anyone before:
I do know it all!
So do you.
I just found this out.
The secret of life is to
breathe
deeply.
Every time I let go of something, I remember this poem I received from Sas Colby in 1980. That would make me 38 when I received it (in the mail, a freebie she advertised in Fiberarts magazine back when it was a newspaper-type rag.) Sas has been my hero ever since, and at 85, she is still going strong. I was fortunate enough to meet and take a class with her years ago.
The above photos are of the book I created in class. We were asked to bring a few things that held meaning for us. The project was a scary hurdle for me, but I ended up loving every bit of it. My little “twig man” was my inspiration.
I must confess that, at the age of almost 73 (in 6 days), I am nowhere near ready to part with my art books. I finally have the time to dive deep into them. I am donating all my books on how to live life, though. I have gained a great deal of wisdom on that by now.
So what am I letting go of? Many, many items from my 30-year collection of art materials, book samples, teaching samples, art for art’s sake, finished quilts, works-in-progress, handmade books, buttons, beads, mixed-media paraphernalia, stencils, fabric, fabric poems, Fragments, old photos, mixed media supply grab bags, and more. You’ll have to see for yourself.
It is taking me months to sift through everything. I categorize it, group similar items, iron fabric when needed, photograph everything, resize the photos, package it, weigh it, post it online with descriptions and dimensions, and finally price it. It’s a toss-up between which is harder - putting everything online or pricing every item.
An association hid within every fold: each fall of lace and gleam of embroidery was like a letter in the record of her past. Edith Wharton
For example, this book is available in my Stash Sale! (There is no sound on video).
What is precious to me may be junk to you. What I find meaningful, you might see as meaningless. What was made with love might be unloved. What I no longer need may be just what you are looking for or need.
Putting your saved ephemera, supplies and creations out for others to peruse is scary, yet bold. Time-consuming, yet imperative. And yes, parting is a sweet sorrow.
Yet, I cannot move on to something new if I am surrounded by my past. How does it feel to walk forward when you are looking backward? Awkward? Unsure? One cannot go forward if your mind and vision is stuck in the past.
CLICK HERE for the Stash Sale. To get first pick, hop on it. The early bird catches the worm. And after you find what you want, share the Stash Sale with a friend. Knowing that all my goodies are going to good homes makes this much easier. And, sadly, US shipping only. 😢
Quotes of the Week
We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
E.M.Forster
Letting go provides a fresh space for whatever is to come next.
John Daido Loori - The Zen of Creativity
To create is always to learn to begin over, to begin at Zero.
Matthew Fox
Creation is a better means of self-expression than possession; it is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed.
Vida Scudder
Clean out a corner of your mind and creativity will instantly fill it.
Dee Hock
We move on by believing in our ideas.
Junya Watanabe