Learning and Progression

The members of my original family, though wonderful people, have never been especially handy.





We had a tool room in the basement, but I never knew how to use most of the tools therein. I'm not sure anyone else did, either.





I remember, as a kid, having ideas for things to make, but not knowing how. Sometimes I would try anyway - usually without success. I wound up frustrated and, when others saw my handiwork, embarrassed.





Have you ever had such an experience?





I think most of us have.





But over the years I have chosen to be more forgiving of myself, and to try learning from that which doesn't turn out as I had wished.





I now have perhaps 8 or 10 works of art which I have finished, and which I feel comfortable hanging.





In a closet, I have dozens of pieces rejected or unfinished. They are stacked catty-whompus against the wall and piled in tottering pyramids on the floor. Mostly, I am keeping them in the hope of one day re-using the materials: gesso covers all manner of ills.





And you know what?





That's okay.





What, in life, do any of us get right on the first, or fifth, or twelfth try? When we conceive an idea, and attempt its execution, and are disappointed in the results - why punish ourselves? Did we not exhibit creativity in the conception, and courage in the pursuit?





Art is a process - not a product. So is life.





Happily for our children, my husband grew up in a dexterous family - I don't think he's ever met a tool he couldn't use, and he is teaching our boys these skills. For my part, I am trying to instill in them trust in their own creative capacity, and patience with themselves in their efforts.





May we all achieve these gifts.