Report From PIA – September 25 – on assignment in Raleigh, NC
I was a hand weaver and fiber artist in the old days, and at one point I was searching for a new direction for this work. It wasn’t coming easily, but another craftsperson gave me some good advice. He said to just keep looking at things that were visually interesting such as nature, or art. “All I know,” he said, “is this: if you put enough in, something has to come out.”
I haven’t been a weaver for over 25 years, but I thought of my friend’s comment today at the Garden Writers meeting. I always come away from these seminars extremely energized. I already have a list of garden, writing and video projects that I want to start as soon as I get home.
Kelly Norris presented the last talk I heard today, and he began with a quote that is, apparently, all over the internet. “To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.”
Gardeners know that this isn’t quite accurate… to get a plant disease or insect infestation you’ve never had all you have to do is wait. But I digress.
I believe that we have the ability to grow something we’ve never possessed. The first step in doing something we’ve not yet done is having the willingness to take inspiration in, try something new and see things in a different way.
The second step is working on building/growing your dreams.
We visited Plant Delights Nursery today... an out-of-control plant person's dream. Seeing new plants, new plant combinations, and interesting plant displays always gets the creative juices flowing.
The shirts that the Plant Delights crew were wearing - I've always appreciated that Tony Avent brings a sense of humor to his business.
