Gifts of art, nature and each other!

Hello and welcome to April’s newsletter.

Currently, I’m reading The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The Serviceberry asks us to reconsider the economy. What happens when we operate from abundance rather than scarcity? What happens when we consider the earth’s resources as gifts to be cared for and reciprocated? What gifts do each of us have to meet the needs of our communities and the world?

Kimmerer’s writing makes me believe that both a better world is possible, and a better world is happening now! Anger about war, exists alongside renewed awe for the planet (Thanks Artemis II). To experience the gifts of the world we just have to slow down, pay attention to nature, and share the goodness. This month’s newsletter is about celebrating the gifts of nature, art, and each other, and gratitude for these gifts. Let’s get into it…

Pictures & Words

Rosie Lee Tompkins made multiple quilts in a combination of purples, yellows and oranges. She called these works “Three Sixes”. The colors held deeply personal meanings related to family, many with the number six in their birth dates. She made them as a way to connect and remember. I love the color combination for the surprising effect of being both exciting and soothing. When researching for A Language of Stitches I sought images of flowers native to Arkansas, Tompkins’ home state. I imagined Tompkins growing up surrounded by fields of these purple, yellow and orange flowers. Exciting and soothing. Coneflower, Goldenrod, and Tickseed, to name a few. Did native flowers give her inspiration? How did she receive the gift of their colors? We don’t know for sure. But what’s certain is Rosie Lee Tompkins felt a connection to these colors and the people she loved. She shared that love and these colors with us in the form of her art. For that, I am grateful.

Art in School

How do artists get serious about play?

I’m grateful for my dear friend and amazing art teacher colleague, Esther Hilsenrad. When we walk, share a meal, or play, we discuss the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and everything that shapes our very specific professional world of teaching art to young children. Time with Esther is a gift, I feel seen and far less isolated as an elementary art teacher. Recently, Esther gave me the gift of this fun printing lesson.

The lesson: What can you make with limited lines and ink colors but unlimited imagination? Students used cardboard to print only straight lines. Next, they printed only curved lines and circles (Think empty tape rolls, tp rolls, old marker and glue stick caps). After printing they chose one print to paint. The results are WOW!

Workshop News

You can take my class Inspired by Picture Books, a daily practice with prompts based on picture books on Creativebug.com. This is a class for curious creatives of all ages.

You can also view my Creativebug LIVE, Crafting Together: Paper Collage Quilts with Constance Moore on Creativebug.com.

Creativebug.com is also available through your public library.

Speaking of libraries - On May 9th I’ll be doing an intergenerational collage workshop and book talk at Bay Farm Island Library in Alameda. If you’re local, please come join us! I’ll share some insights about the book and guide participants in a collage making activity.

*The flier says 2/28 but it’s rescheduled for 5/9.

Community

For all you fabric freaks (You know who you are!) check out e. bond for loads of incredible fabric bundles. Use them for quilting or just tell yourself you’re going to use them for quilting “one day”. You’ll be in good company. No judgement!

Looking for more creativity in your life? Join a creative cohort at Mighty Mighty Studio. Not a class, a community of support. Make art side by side with other people. Share your art and ideas. Or just enjoy the company of others while you create in a peer led gathering. May sign ups happening now!

Esther, the art teacher! runs her own private art school in Berkeley. When school is closed, Esther is open. Check out her website.

In addition to The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer has several books including a beautiful children’s book, Bud Finds Her Voice. You can learn more about her books and her campaign Plant Baby Plant! Raise a garden, Raise a ruckus! on her website.

Enjoy these photos of my Rhododendron finally blooming after years of careful tending and praying to the garden goddesses. I am grateful for the gift of these gorgeous flowers.

Thank you for taking time to read. Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might enjoy a monthly dose of creativity in their inbox, or send them over to constancemoore.com to join my list.

I truly appreciate your support.

PRE-ORDER TODAY!