Editor’s letter: Issue Four
Much like many of the people I get to meet throughout the process of interviewing and writing articles for The Maker’s Story, I too have always seemed to love creativity. Whether it was out on the driveway drawing with chalk, embarking on small sewing projects with mum, scrapbooking, or even when I created my first ‘magazine’ on old Publisher when I was in primary school. Then in more recent years, taking to Etsy with my macramé pieces.
But it wasn’t until the past few months that I came to appreciate how meditative art can be. Across from my desk at the moment is a canvas pad that’s sitting open on my easel, ready for me to pick up the paintbrush and add a stroke here and there when there’s a spare moment in the evening or over the weekend. The few artworks that are in this canvas pad aren’t works you’ll expect to be seeing anytime soon, but they’ve certainly been something I’ve enjoyed doing and that have allowed me to take a few deep breaths and come back refreshed.
“Find a pen and piece of paper or borrow some paints, and see how exploring your creative side might be the best thing you’ve done for yourself all year.”
Image: Amanda Hinkelmann
In this edition, many of the artists such as Amanda Hinkelmann (p.6) and Melissa Lakey (p.56) talk about creating works that are special to them – starting with a blank canvas and setting out to only create what feels true to them. For Elissa Parsons (p.52), it’s about crafting works that “sing” to her, and for Tahlia McLean (p.60), being able to help others with the work she creates is what’s most important.
Art means something different to everyone – whether it’s something that has helped someone through a difficult time, or in Phoebe Gander’s case (p.28), is a necessity to help her mental health and fight against ADHD.
Creating for yourself is the most important thing.
So if you feel like you need to slow down in your life, or simply take some time out from your everyday routine, then find a pen and piece of paper or borrow some paints, and see how exploring your creative side might be the best thing you’ve done for yourself all year.
Cassie
Editor/Founder
