Most people seem too busy with their work (unless they're retired) and
their entertainment (clubs, media, sports etc.) to take the time to do
anything with their hands.
I often think about this problem
Louisa and I don't know the answer to how we affect change other than what is
already happening. We have magazines such as TWIST to educate and
encourage, juried events to showcase talent and workshops to teach and
enlighten. I have tried for some time now to get my talented daughter
interested in weaving/spinning/tablet weaving but her busy life with four sons
and a job, does not allow her time for her own interests. It seems that most
of us must wait until our more senior years to explore our creative side.
Perhaps, simply exposing the
young people to our world is all that one can do.
I can't help but imagine how many societal problems would be alleviated
by giving young people skills that are creative and positive and take time to
do and time to master. Would it keep them out of trouble? Give them a focus
for their attention, skills they can be proud of, time that isn't wasted and
results they can use?
There are a lot of young people in
various organizations such as pathfinders, that would love to learn a new
skill. I read in one of the last issues of Handwoven magazine, that Linda
Hendrikson has taught tablet weaving to these young people and how quickly
they learned, even Andean Pebble Weave which I found difficult at first to
grasp. I have taught one day courses for children much the same way as Linda
and they are delightful to teach.
There's so much more I want to say about this but I'm having trouble
finding the words through the migraine I've got today. I hope others will add
to this discussion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Louisa.
I tend to lurk and your message prompted me to say what was on my
mind.
Judy
