Layli (my sister) and I had the inspiring experience last weekend of being able to sneak into an Baha'i artists appreciation weekend because my mom was giving a talk there. There were artists from all over the country that do writing and illustration for children and youth and the energy there was so beautiful- everyone sharing their experiences and expertise in a spirit of collaboration to serve young people. Just as a person with children, I felt really loved by this spirit, and also as someone who peeks into the art world with awe and desire, I felt empowered to take a leap and be a part of it somehow. Talking to mom afterwards, she said that she has always believed that everyone is an artist, whether they call themselves one or not. I was really moved by this and I wonder why I never had this conversation with mom before. That's something I've been thinking about for many years but I didn't know what she thought about it.
When we were at the artists' appreciation thing, mom wowed the crowd with a recitation of the first(?) poem she wrote- The Crimson Balloon. There wasn't a dry eye to be found- Layli and I had a hard time keeping our composure. I'll post it up here soon for you.
I was also inspired by Aaron, mom's colleague at Brilliant Star (Baha'i children's magazine), who does all the illustrations for the magazine. He shared his creative and productive process with us and schooled us in the art of making comics. I have always loved the versatility of comics (especially in the Calvin and Hobbes era), but never fully realized that their powerful communication ability is something that the artist designs and manipulates. Wow, my mind is blown.
How wonderful to be surrounded by these people that are really out there with their desire to create and honor art. I felt lifted up, like I could do anything.
Hi!
I really like this. I'm sort of shy right now, but I think that one thing that inspired me to respond for everyone to read was the fact that this is a webble, rather than a "blog." The word blog sounds scary - like something a big grape jello monster would say right before it tickled you. Webble, however, is much friendlier, like a little green mossy rock.
Anyhow, I think that this artsy surge of energy is going around. I've had numerous hints from the universe that it's time to create. Nathan and I are thinking of hosting an arts night regularly at our house...
Righto!
love,
~liz
Posted by: Liz at January 17, 2004 07:32 PMWe are really impressed that you posted it at the very early morning.
Have a good rest!
~Qin and Jian
Posted by: Jian at January 17, 2004 08:23 PMYes...ummm...hopefully this new 'baby' of a webble in my head will start sleeping at night so I can work on it in the day light.
Posted by: Bahiyyih at January 18, 2004 08:25 AMHey Liz,
Thanks for venturing out and webbling! I'm so glad to hear from you! I so agree about the 'big grape jello monster'. Not that scary, but you want to avoid it just the same. I'm so excited to see the results of your (and nate's) creative endeavors. Its gotta be good. OOOoo...and I can't wait for art night...that will improve my life so much.
Can a Nana come to art nights?
"Webbles" remind me of those rounded dolls that you push over, and they spring right back up again. Very cozy.
Posted by: Susan Engle at January 20, 2004 07:59 PMWhat I really wanted to say, Biyyah, is that you have so much to offer to others. Things that you now offer to your lucky family that are things others can enjoy. This webble is one. I just know you have a children's book or two or ten that will be born someday. You vibrate with stories. When you've had some sleep.
Posted by: Susan Engle at January 20, 2004 08:04 PMIn telling mom that the artists from last weekend should read the great stuff on your webbie grape blob thing, she told me that they created a Yahoo group called - guess what - TheCrimsonBalloon@yahoo.com And the web spreads out wider!
Posted by: Layli Elena at January 20, 2004 08:47 PMOf course nana can come to arts nights. I'm sure Liz and Nate would be glad to have you (and Layli too!). Those wobbly dolls are called Weebles as in weebles wobble but they won't fall down. I loved those too! I consider the three of us as Weebles, mighty ones, that have been pushed over many times, but always pop back up. Huh! I'll check out the poem site!
Posted by: Bahiyyih at January 21, 2004 09:05 PM