Maker. Creator. Artist. Comforting words that encompass an identity. An identity I didn’t feel worthy of. Words for a piece of me that I feel ready to own. I believe that in every version of my life, on every timeline, I make things.
It shouldn’t have taken so long to realize this. I am expressive. I talk with my hands. Hands on experience or visual representation are the best ways for me to learn. Tactile, physical is my preference. I will always love the feel of a book and turning the pages. As private as I am, turns out I like to share what I’ve done sometimes. Making, creating is a part of who I am.
I enjoy museums, looking at objects people made. Either through imagination or innovation specific to a culture and people. I love architecture, skilled artisans erecting structures for people to live their lives in. Older buildings hold a wealth of craftsman knowledge. Cheers to anyone preserving that handiwork.
I’ve made all kinds of things simply because I enjoy the process and final product. This site you’re on is WordPress-built from the ground up. If I was going to dive into writing, I wanted it to be all mine. Scouring Google and YouTube to understand the necessary components. Customizable templates for the win.
A homecoming day party dress, a coat inspired by Rihanna, costumes for competition and showcase, my Renaissance outfit all by my hand. Patternmaking is not my strength, but I’ve gotten by rigging things up.
Cooking combines the love of food and creating. Recipes saved from all over the place. Blogs, cookbooks, magazines, ebooks. Baking is a true love. Pound cake, apple pie, and cobbler are current specialties. I’m on a quest to perfect cookies. Someone tell me how to prevent them spreading like a hand fan.
The mortgage is paid by creating. With the collaboration of other artists and craftspeople, my 2D ideas come into their physical, tangible form. I’m lucky to enjoy my work, as long as I keep the end goal in mind: creating something for people to cherish.
Work can drain my energy but it’s a necessity of life. I have to save as much of myself as possible for me. It’s a privilege that I shouldn’t squander. I’ll take what I’ve saved and funnel it into creating. Remember that calendar idea? Yeah, that needs to come back with more direction behind it.
More time is owed to my making and creating. When I’m tired and want to do nothing, there’s something small I can do. I won’t ignore a call for rest, but procrastination can’t keep winning. What’s truly in the way? Potential disappointment or dissatisfaction at the result? Well, how do you intend to get better if you don’t disappoint yourself first?
Inspiration is welcome and helpful. I’m fascinated by other creators. Artists who are at the top of their craft. Makers who are just starting or daring to share. Nothing better than hearing a creator discuss their work. How did you do it? Tell me, I love process! Access Granted, Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé (2019), Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé (2023), Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast, In Proximity, inject it into my veins.
This week I had the pleasure of hearing Sandra A. Gutierrez speak. A food journalist, professional cooking instructor, cookbook author, and recipe developer with a feature in the Smithsonian Museum. The conversation surrounding her latest cookbook Latinísimo made me emotional. The fine line between appropriation and appreciation, ingredients as the connection between Latin American countries, the importance of instilling pride and how the third generation returns to familial roots. A maker and preserver. A storyteller. A creator of my favorite kind.
I’m more expressive than I gave myself credit for. My mind is full of little treasures, and I want to let them out. Creating for the hell of it. The output will get better as I free the current ideas and make room for more cultivated ones. Creating feels necessary, continuing to suppress it is no longer an option. Hopefully I remember this pep talk during showcase prep.
