Took my first test in—mumble, mumble, mumble—a lot of years. I'll let you know how I did. I think I misread one question, but got the bonus question (clay is Hydrous Silicate of Alumina) so I think I'm good. We're starting a new assignment and I've been thinking. (Yes, that's as dangerous as you might imagine.)
When I write a book, I tend to have a purpose behind it...a story I want to tell. There's an intent as I work to translate that idea into something tangible that I can share with readers. There are themes I touch on over and over again. Love, Family, Friendship. More specifically the idea that families are made, not necessarily born. That differences can make someone special.
But here's the thing, after I finish a book—after I have taken my intent and idea and turned them into a story—my part's over. I turn the book over to readers and they might not ever notice my intent. They might see something totally different in it.
And that's okay.
I had an English teacher back in the day who used to say things like, "The author intended..." I call BS. Seriously. Unless the author left a detailed diary that outlined their purpose and intent in that book, then she couldn't honestly say what they wanted to say. Only what she took from the book, what she heard, as she read it. And her impression was totally legitimate, but maybe I took something categorically different from the story. Each of our interpretations is as legitimate as the author's intention when they wrote the book.
As a writer, when I let a story go, I give it to you to do with as you please. You might hear something totally different than I was trying to say...and that's okay.
I've been thinking about that idea of intent...and letting go. Our next project in class is a coil pot. It needs to be asymmetrical. We're told to think one form with two halves that are opposite, positive vs. negative, space and contrast. That idea of women and nature brought me to the idea of yin and yang, and X and Y chromosomes, and... Well, I've landed on an idea. I don't know if I have the technical skill to bring what I envision to the clay and even if I do manage it, I don't know that you, as an observer, would see what my intent was. Again that's okay.
I think there's so much about pottery, and art in general, that relates to writing. They all take an inner vision and turning into something tangible...they all are about finding someone finding their story and sharing it with intention. Even the most simple ceramic forms can have a story to them. A plate isn't just a disc to serve food on, though that's one definition. It's something you serve a family with. That plate can be a symbol of family—of home and hearth. That's a message I enjoy.
I went down to the Erie Art Museum this week with all these thoughts buzzing through my head. As I looked at the art, I tried to imagine what the artist's intent was, what story they were trying to tell...and then tried to decide what my view of each piece was, what I heard when I looked at it. The glass exhibit is so cool...if you're nearby, go down and visit. If you're not in the area, a few of my favorites are here. I bet what you take from each one is different than what I take...and that's okay!
More on my project soon!
Holly
And no trip to the museum is complete without a visit to Glass Growers. Of course, I had to admire the pottery!
Speaking of art...I found an old book by a favorite author. I'd never read it and got it home...well, you can read about it here. I took all the pictures in the book and antiqued them. I'm not sure they qualify as art, but I'm proud of them and the story that poor book inspired.
PPS.
If you've missed any Novel Experience posts, you can find them here...
Part Six, Part Five, Part Four, Part Three, Part Two, Part One
When I write a book, I tend to have a purpose behind it...a story I want to tell. There's an intent as I work to translate that idea into something tangible that I can share with readers. There are themes I touch on over and over again. Love, Family, Friendship. More specifically the idea that families are made, not necessarily born. That differences can make someone special.
But here's the thing, after I finish a book—after I have taken my intent and idea and turned them into a story—my part's over. I turn the book over to readers and they might not ever notice my intent. They might see something totally different in it.
And that's okay.I had an English teacher back in the day who used to say things like, "The author intended..." I call BS. Seriously. Unless the author left a detailed diary that outlined their purpose and intent in that book, then she couldn't honestly say what they wanted to say. Only what she took from the book, what she heard, as she read it. And her impression was totally legitimate, but maybe I took something categorically different from the story. Each of our interpretations is as legitimate as the author's intention when they wrote the book.
As a writer, when I let a story go, I give it to you to do with as you please. You might hear something totally different than I was trying to say...and that's okay.
I've been thinking about that idea of intent...and letting go. Our next project in class is a coil pot. It needs to be asymmetrical. We're told to think one form with two halves that are opposite, positive vs. negative, space and contrast. That idea of women and nature brought me to the idea of yin and yang, and X and Y chromosomes, and... Well, I've landed on an idea. I don't know if I have the technical skill to bring what I envision to the clay and even if I do manage it, I don't know that you, as an observer, would see what my intent was. Again that's okay.
I think there's so much about pottery, and art in general, that relates to writing. They all take an inner vision and turning into something tangible...they all are about finding someone finding their story and sharing it with intention. Even the most simple ceramic forms can have a story to them. A plate isn't just a disc to serve food on, though that's one definition. It's something you serve a family with. That plate can be a symbol of family—of home and hearth. That's a message I enjoy.
I went down to the Erie Art Museum this week with all these thoughts buzzing through my head. As I looked at the art, I tried to imagine what the artist's intent was, what story they were trying to tell...and then tried to decide what my view of each piece was, what I heard when I looked at it. The glass exhibit is so cool...if you're nearby, go down and visit. If you're not in the area, a few of my favorites are here. I bet what you take from each one is different than what I take...and that's okay!
More on my project soon!
Holly
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| Laura Beth Konopinski |
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| Elizabeth Fortunato |
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| John Sharvin |
And no trip to the museum is complete without a visit to Glass Growers. Of course, I had to admire the pottery!Speaking of art...I found an old book by a favorite author. I'd never read it and got it home...well, you can read about it here. I took all the pictures in the book and antiqued them. I'm not sure they qualify as art, but I'm proud of them and the story that poor book inspired.
PPS.
If you've missed any Novel Experience posts, you can find them here...
Part Six, Part Five, Part Four, Part Three, Part Two, Part One
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