As much as I never wanted to meet the local bears in person, I longed to see them up close. Their presence proved how much life the land could sustain. Their power made their tenderness with each other all the more touching. Their wildness made my civilization feel like a tight fit.
The way we behold the seen and unseen in each other can make a difference in how we come alive. You brought this new thing—sculpting, with clay—alive for me, Barbara, thank you. As I finished reading, I suddenly became aware that my mouth was agape. Thank you for saving the bears.
I love this piece! I am not an artist and I'm always amazed to learn the process involved in creating. Your teacher must be amazing. The tactile and visionary method for manipulating your medium is poetic. It's beautiful....
So wonderful, this. I have no artistic talent with my hands, but I have an artist’s soul who can “see” your words as the living sculpture you made, just for me. Your heart, your love for Creation’s heart, shines into my own heart. Thank you.
Barbara, I’m leading a Zen group in reading David Hinton’s wonderful book, “Existence, a Story,” and your essay reflects so beautifully his thoughts on how the “existence tissue” expresses itself through the “ten thousand things,” the made and the ground of making reflecting on each other. As always, your insights illuminate mystery without reducing it. Thank you. Michael Jinkins
There is something so magical, maybe even divine, that happens in the process between creator and creature. Even in the (somewhat) simple transformation of clay to something else. I have learned so much at the pottery studio about grace and life and God’s tender view of each one of us. Enjoy your bear. 💜
The way we behold the seen and unseen in each other can make a difference in how we come alive. You brought this new thing—sculpting, with clay—alive for me, Barbara, thank you. As I finished reading, I suddenly became aware that my mouth was agape. Thank you for saving the bears.
Delightful essay!
I do wish hunting for sport were banned.
The maker and the made have a permanent bond.”
So very true.
Amazing. Moving. Flowing. Glowing. Thank you for sharing your experience ☺️🙏
What a wonderful reflection to read first thing Thanksgiving morning!
I love this piece! I am not an artist and I'm always amazed to learn the process involved in creating. Your teacher must be amazing. The tactile and visionary method for manipulating your medium is poetic. It's beautiful....
I loved the finding of the bear!
So wonderful, this. I have no artistic talent with my hands, but I have an artist’s soul who can “see” your words as the living sculpture you made, just for me. Your heart, your love for Creation’s heart, shines into my own heart. Thank you.
So beautiful Barbara. To see and to be seen.
Barbara, I’m leading a Zen group in reading David Hinton’s wonderful book, “Existence, a Story,” and your essay reflects so beautifully his thoughts on how the “existence tissue” expresses itself through the “ten thousand things,” the made and the ground of making reflecting on each other. As always, your insights illuminate mystery without reducing it. Thank you. Michael Jinkins
There is something so magical, maybe even divine, that happens in the process between creator and creature. Even in the (somewhat) simple transformation of clay to something else. I have learned so much at the pottery studio about grace and life and God’s tender view of each one of us. Enjoy your bear. 💜
“Beary” awesome art!
Wow…what detail!
What a lovely meditation on truly seeing the other. Bless you for sharing with us
Brilliant!
I love your bear!