Be Creative
When Tom died, an activity that gave me solace was making South African buttermilk rusks. The processes of rubbing butter into flour and kneading the dough required no thought or skill, but using my hands was oddly soothing. The added benefit was, of course, the ultimate in comfort food for an expat South African, especially one who had lost her appetite.
In the years following my bereavement, I found that being engaged in creative projects has helped me to concentrate on something other than my grief. In her book “Hidden Art”, Edith Schaeffer argues that if we are made in the image of God the Creator, then it is natural for us to be creative. My Collins dictionary defines “creative” as not only having the ability to create but also to show originality or imagination. While the second definition definitely applies to those we consider to be artists, great pleasure can still be derived from making something according to instructions, whether it is a recipe, sewing pattern or tapestry kit. The latter chapters of Exodus describe the building of the tabernacle. What struck me was that the chief designers, Bezalel and Oholiab, were filled with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts in order to make artistic designs. Not only that, but they were also given the ability to teach others. (Exodus 35: 30-35). The majority of the craftsmen would not be using their imaginations, but would be following the instructions of the masters. I define myself as a scientist and not an artist, but I have discovered that I can learn skills that help me to produce something that gives me satisfaction. I have to admit, though, that sometimes the process is more enjoyable than the result!
Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the ideal wife. Despite my cynical thought that this acrostic Hebrew poem is wishful thinking on the part of the poet, further reflection on the words makes me think of my mother. Mom worked hard as a school secretary so that she could be at home when I was not at school. When it was exam time, Mom would have to type away late into the night, long after I had gone to bed. She not only made most of my clothes but also would spend hours at her sewing machine making articles for the needlework stall at the latest bazaar (for school, church or local charity). She was a brilliant baker and the cake stalls used to benefit from her huge output, while at home we were always happy to eat the flops. I like to think that creative tasks helped to give inner strength, not only to my mother, but also to the wife described in Proverbs.
What a privilege it was to grow up in a home where both my parents spent time in creative pursuits! Apart from the baking and sewing, which I have already mentioned, Mom loved flower arranging and the house was always filled with beautiful arrangements. Dad loved his garden and would be up early in the morning to tend to it before going off to work. In the evenings he would be in his beloved workshop, making furniture or toys out of wood. He could easily have been a joiner or carpenter instead of an office worker. He never charged for the things he made and many people were thrilled with their gifts.
Creativity covers many different fields. Some of the chapter headings In “Hidden Art” include
- Music
- Painting, Sketching, Sculpturing
- Interior decorating
- Gardens and Gardening
- Food
- Writing – Prose and Poetry
- Drama
Edith Schaeffer urges us to transform everyday tasks into something special by adding a creative touch. One doesn’t have to be artistic to add a posy of flowers to a tea tray or a menu for a dinner party, for example.
I have been fortunate to be able to attend classes where I have been taught by some inspirational teachers. I started with one called “So you think you can’t draw” and am now having online one-to-one lessons in watercolour. For some reason, I have found watercolour to be an impossible medium, but, in deference to Tom who subscribed to a Watercolour Magazine for me, I have decided that it is time that I put all the equipment that came with it to good use.
Community centres, local universities, the U3A all offer classes in a wide variety of subjects and are often not expensive. I find that classes give me the motivation to continue as well as necessary social interaction. If you have more self-discipline than I have, there are YouTube videos available that will show you how to do whatever it is that you are longing to learn. In “Healing a Spouse’s grieving Heart”, Alan Wolfelt suggests on page 68 that learning something new can lift mourners out of a joyless daily routine. On page 69 of the same book, he says that engaging with the visual arts can make us see the world anew. He recommends visiting an exhibition, attending a watercolour or calligraphy class and making pottery as some of the things that will help us do this.
I am grateful that I am able to engage in creative projects. I may not be very good at any of them, but they continue to bring me pleasure and, hopefully, sometimes, to other people as well.
Baking for a meeting of the Jane Austen Society 
Car seat covers for Daughter’s van 
A Puffin painting for a friend
Amazing uplifting ideas and images. xxx
Thank you, Mary!
Ýòu are more than creating lovely things in all sorts of media; not least with words. Loved that book of Edith Schaeffer
Thank you, Jicky! Can you believe that Edith Schaeffer wrote that book 50 years ago!! Ons word oud!