My Ticket to Magic
Squam Art Fair, by Kirsten CrillyI'm so thankful for Kirsten Crilly, and the way she captured the magic moment that the Squam Art Fair was for me. It was one of many things I had never done before at SAW, and getting me there and ready was a labor of love for so many of my friends.
My sister, Meg, came up with the table's overall design and concept (I lack this skill set completely). She coached me like the people in What Not to Wear, and then I went shopping by myself, armed with her advice and my phone camera for her final approval. Tilky labored with amazing thoroughness and attention to detail on my signs. Hula hooked me up with packaging supplies for my first photography art prints ever available for sale.
My friend, Jenna, devoted herself to me for the evening, driving me, parking the car, helping me set up and run the table all night long. Having her by my side helped me relax and have fun, like we were third graders playing with a lemonade stand on the corner. So did all having so many of my students, cabin mates and new friends stop by with their encouraging smiles. They all held me in love, when self-consciousness and nervousness were lingering at the edges, grumbling that they weren't invited.
By the time we ate our dinner and got to the venue, we only had 20 minutes to set up the table, which was three feet longer than I expected it to be. But still, everything kept working out. Andrew helped us unload heavy boxes from the car. Susannah pulled the photos out of their baskets and propped them up for easier viewing. I counted at one point, and no fewer than eight of us had somehow contributed to the table design, decorations, signs, the last-minute appearance, and even taking photographs to remember it by.
That was a huge accomplishment for me. Only a year ago, I was doing projects by myself (or trying to) because I didn't want to wait to collaborate with anyone else. Speed was my primary concern back then, and few people could keep up with the pace I was keeping. It resulted in work that felt thin, even to me.
Now, a year later, I don't believe in doing anything alone. I believe that being together trumps getting things done. Always. And the person I get to be in the world when I'm being together instead of going it alone is so much more joyful and healed than before, I wouldn't dream of going back.
Friendship and love. They are my ticket to magic.
the long table, by Kirsten Crilly
Friday, October 9, 2009 at 7:15AM | Share Article 20 Comments | Email Article Print Article | Permalink | in Squam Art Workshops, community, creative work, events, friendship
Reader Comments (20)
This, this is something I'm trying to learn but it's hard.
Thanks, Jen.
wonderful. so proud of you and the beautiful display. there is nothing like seeing your work out there and others admiring it. just wonderful.
B*E*A*U*T*I*F*U*L!!
Beautiful, Jen. What a wonderful display! And yes, I too am learning that being together is so very important.
*APPLAUSE* Beautiful display ... beautiful you! Wish I could have been there.
Thanks so much for sharing. I think I like to do things on my own because I feel like such a fraud deep down and it's the only way to prove to myself that I'm not.
that black and white photo...stunning. bravo!
xo
Love that photo of you that Kirsten captured... all your attention, all your energy, all your you-ness, so sparkling and truly there, in that moment. Beautiful story Jen...
I'm so glad that Kirsten captured this beauty. It was so amazing to see you and Jenna shining behind such a spectacular table. As was coming up to the table and picking out the beautiful bag that held the treasures that I'd go home with.
That last paragraph of this post got right to my heart. I've been going it alone for a long while and am really just beginning to learn that.
Thanks for this little bit of magic, Jen. It's so hard for me to remember that I don't have to do everything alone (though, funny enough, I'd be upset with my friends if they didn't ask my help—because I want to be there for them). Such a good reminder.
And your photos and table display look beautiful. Magical, really.
Dear God/dess please let this be me by May 2010.... thank you Jen for giving my deepest longing and hardest challenge such perfect expression.... and in so doing proving that the struggle doesn't have to last forever... thank YOU!
"Now, a year later, I don't believe in doing anything alone. I believe that being together trumps getting things done. Always. And the person I get to be in the world when I'm being together instead of going it alone is so much more joyful and healed than before, I wouldn't dream of going back."
Thank you. Very beautiful. Gosh, your words always make me thinking.
i adore this phrase ' the person I get to be in the world'. i've always been much better at offering help than accepting it. but deep down i do believe that your words are true. a work in progress. thank you for sharing your wisdom.
love these photos ~ what a gift...i too love the idea of collaboration, and doing it together. so much more fun! xoxo
There's a definite element of safety that doing things in connection with others brings. When so many times we are hoping we don't miss that very important detail, it is cool to know others have your back. So glad you let yourself trust and depend on others for these smashing projects that are unfolding... :) Love you!
Thank you for prompting me to reflect on this. Asking for help has never been my forte and I've sometimes wondered what form collaboration on a creative project could take in my world, worried that nothing would be a good fit. Maybe it's time for me to put it out to the Universe and see what comes.
That first photo of you by Kirsten is beautiful and captures the warmth and authenticity that came through during Squam and your classes. It's bang on.
Warm wishes to you,
Stephanie :)
Lovely photographs, lovely subject(s).
Hey Jen...so much of your captured experience speaks to me..thank you for honestly opening up and sharing the triumphs of that evening with us...i soo get the sojourner who's gotta do it all on her own b/c...and i soo get how you can't go back...and all that the transitioning from soloing your endeavors to community-ing them with hearts you resonate with and those that reach out to help...all that immediacy of family care and brotherly sisterly friend-ly adoration and love.....what a series of moments....where is sqam? your work but more to me your heart radiate so...and now here's to what you wrote of in the newest post...of staring out the windows and looking at the photos and making cookies and coming home......enjoy every moment....
:-) so much truth here ... and i heart the photos kirsten took of your beautiful table!
Wow Jen! Your table looked great! You go!!! :)