The Consuming Fire

     It does not matter what craft or project you enjoy, its more than the craft you see visually. Its an expression of the soul. A little piece of who you are that comes from deep within that manifests visually for others to see, touch and enjoy. As a spoken word has life, so does the creation of our hands when crafted from the pool of emotion that we pour into our projects. Creativity burns within us like a fire that must be released and as it is outwardly expressed, it consumes others. It has and impact on our world and whether it be writing, singing, scultpting, knitting, carving, or even architecture. Doent matter the medium, it can bring us peace and stike a memory or an emotion for our audience. The art of someone elses creativity sparks mine, music. Music has a great impact on my creativity whether im welding or carving and listening to heavy metal. Something high energy or something slower like country or love songs while I draw, paint, or write. I do many crafts and mediums but ultimately, its the burning of emotion within me that must be expressed. Creativity must be released, its how a creative person was designed. My peace does not come from the work of creating but the expression of what I carry inside me. Sometimes my anger comes out in a fiery dark painting or love through a drawing of my son. Creativity can affect others as much as the artist though. A drawing I did for my aunt who lost her son or the right words through the gift of wriring has brought healing to a family. Sometimes crafting can just make a great decor but its really a portal that takes us somewhere else in our mind. Crafting gives both the artist and audience a tranquility and peace that is hard to find anywhere else even if just for a moment. To all of us who are creative enough to tap into our the well of emotion in our souls enough to express it and touch others on a level they themselves may not even understand. The world thanks you.

    For me personally, I have many crafts. With every one, I love creating something that was not there or even creating something functional that has not even been inveted.  Chainsaw carving is one I have taught myself. It is a hobby that is out there but not as much as some others. I love being able to see a piece of wood and see my carving within. Music, of coarse helps with every craft I do. It provides energy, emotion, passion and inspiration. Another passion is welding. I have designed fender tool boxes and built a car trailer with unseen custom design. I plan to not only weld funtional pieces but metal sculpture as well.  Pencil drawing has always been something I loved doing. I have had the pleasure of creating some drawings that tap into memories and emotions of others. As I drew more, it eventually lead to airbrushing. Though I have used acrylics to paint pictures and my carvings, airbrush painting is something I am learning and practicing. I have created some logos and even murals with my airbrush. Poetry and story writing is another art that I have practiced since high school. I love using words in poetic or story form to express emotions, feelings and the depth of my soul that may not ever surface in conversation. Its healing to my soul as that fire spreads from my spirit to the page. Sometimes that fire can burn pain from someone else. One more thing I plan on learning is to play the guitar. Music and a variety are said to soothe a savage beast. Music has been used to bring peace since biblical times and has the same affect today. I would love to write lyrics and play the guitar someday since music is a cornerstone of inspiration for all the other mediums I practice. It is simply amazing how a simple craft can inspire and touch others and yet set the creator free from the chains that may bind them in some cases. Crafting was, is and will always play a vital role in society.