Non-Competitive AND Supportive
In this previous post I showcased what went on during the AMAZING basket weaving class at the folk school. Now I am presenting what the other students were doing for 5 days in their classes. It is so wonderful to be immersed with creativity and at the same time being so fully supported by everyone at the school. It's a non-competitive atmosphere which makeS EVERYONE shine in their own individual way!
The specific class that I took was entitled, "Baskets of the Folk School." The instructor, Pattie Bagley, made all the baskets that we saw being used all over the folk school campus. Besides teaching her very popular classes, she helps bring in new teachers and organizes her department at the folk school. It is obvious to all her students and co-workers that she loves what she does very much.
The basket photos here are of Pattie's baskets. She grabbed some from around the folk school to give us examples of what we were going to weave that week.
One of the evenings after dinner, there were local carvers that were having an open-to-the-public meeting. Anyone could come and carve a little figurine. There wasn't much in the way of a formal class, but the tools (including protective gear) were available to everyone who attended. I came for an hour to chat and learn. I didn't do much carving but I did take some photos of what my piece of wood would look like over time.
This was the example I was looking at while there.
This was the result of me attempting to take some chunks out of my wood. It was much harder than I anticipated.
Below again are the examples of the workmanship that was happening all around us all week. We would gather for 3 meals a day and I made it a point to sit with different people for many of the meals. I wanted the full experience of getting to know so many creative people and hearing about what their classes were like during the week.
A fellow student helped me take some pictures of the LARGE baskets to give me some examples of how Pattie reinforced these heavy and hard workers. Even when we make functional pieces, they still can be beautifully crafted.
There will always be a little piece of my heart at the folk school. Aren't the smoky mountains lovely?
Thanks for stopping by and please feel free to chat below. I always love to hear from others on their creative journey. God bless and be well!!
All photos are taken by me!
