The highest goal one can achieve is amazement. ~ Goethe
My first design experiments involved selecting snails along a narrow garden path. Lining them up in rows, I would talk kindly and invite them to take part in games. I would be their big sister, telling them stories and giving them names like Germaine and Margaret. Blended with rose petals and pebbles, they would become part of spiralling collages and patterns.
Snails were the closest thing I had to a proper pet until we got our dog Timmy. After Timmy was “sent to live on a farm” we got a tortoise which went to sleep for the winter and never woke up. But the snails were always there and Pooka Snails, the large ones with protruding horns, were always my favourite.
I began a half day at school at three and a half. In the afternoons I would sit on the path, school bag on my back, practicing my letters and reciting to those snails. Here were the foundations of my dream life; finding a quiet space for an inner world, connecting with nature, spending time mulling over the mysteries.
When you are looking at the random play and explorations of a very young child you are peeking into her soul, her love of what comes naturally. For some it will be climbing trees, for others kicking a ball, for the quiet few it will be escaping into imaginary worlds and talking to snails.
I started school at four and a half. There was no kindergarten so I got an extra and early year of school.
Ah yes I think that was the same for me. Never heard of such a thing as kindergarten in those days!
Oh I can see that little Catherine sitting on garden paths talking to snails….she is such a dreamer and creative soul. I dug holes in dirt while singing songs I made up…and singing old songs while I swung with abandon on swings….I think that was when I dreamed of flying one day….I must connect with that little girl again!
LOL! I can see you too Donna digging in the dirt which of course you are still doing to his day, I hope you still sing your old songs too!
I really love the b&w images of your pets and hearing about the start of your creative journey … thanks for sharing!
Thank you Susan! Those little pets are more rare to find these days and seem to have been replaced by too many slugs……but it's been lovely actually spending time with them. I just noticed that b/w works well to show the structure and shape of things…..must make more……
It's so important to remember those first attractions. I absolutely love that you talked to snails. And, great question, where does creativity come from?
Thank you Kim, I wonder do you find too that you can go back to that mood or dream state of a child through photography? We are so lucky to experience it as part of our adult lives!
Very good question. I'm always amazed but not surprised anymore that I just have to make things and see things as art. Always have. It's just who I am. Some people have to run or play music…it's quite an interesting mystery about us humans isn't it? I believe you are just born with these abilities to be curious and I am ever grateful for that. These photographs are proof of your gift to see the world up close and in fine detail. A kindred spirit indeed!
Ah good morning kindred spirit! You are a wonderful maker that's been your ability and amazement……thank you Kerry for such a thoughtful contribution…..I guess everyone is born with the elusive "it"…….
Beautiful and soul-shaking quote from Johann von Goethe. It reminds me that it is all about what is most real–what we do alone, when no one is watching….what we did as children that moved our hearts and souls to go in a particular direction. As yours clearly did. I used to climb mountains with my Great Dane, Julius, and sit and watch the sun move over the landscape. Then my mother died and my life turned towards feeling more deeply, both in pain and with love. I believe I became moved by everyday experiences, I was reverent in the face of numinous life. So your question and your work is moving and poignant. We are kindred spirits, so many of us on these pages. Thank you Catherine.
Thank you Susie for such a wonderful contribution to this chat. I can just picture you and Julius watching the sun move across the landscape….such a fabulous memory to share….My own Mother died when I was 9 so I too have a before and after world in my childhood……a switch from light to shade in an instant…..xxx
On any other day I would have joined in the lovely chat about snails and amazement and creativity, but not today I'm afraid Catherine. You see last night a 'jolly'….snail (or tribe of ) demolished the hollyhock seedlings I have been nurturing over the past few months. Left nothing but a few stems! So forgive me, but I'll save my comments for another day…xx
O Jane!! I so hate that!!! Every one of us has a dark side is all I can say!!! I never saw it in that age of innocence xxx
Oh I love this! Yours were snails…mine were earthworms! I really do think every one of us have the ability to be creative…it's just finding the right niche!
Haha! Earthworms are great too! I seem to remember they had to be chopped into pieces…..but all the pieces kept wriggling….I totally agree Robin about creative opportunities …..and there are a lot to choose from….x