Moving Toward Wonder

Passion for astronomy and the night skies inspired these two creations

Last week I photographed fabric artist, Judith Grittner for my Maker’s Hands series of photographs. As Judith talked about her artistic work I realized that her interests and passions inspired her creations. In all of her work it seemed she was…

Everything she showed me had an associated story about how an experience of wonder, curiosity, and a passion for social justice propelled her to create beautiful 3-D textile art. Judith learned to sew when she was five years old. While in school she sewed much of her own clothing. She laughingly told me about the first sewing projects from junior high home economics classes. When I asked about how she became interested in making her current projects, she said, “I began making quilts but after awhile got bored with working in two dimensions. It seemed to me that creating 3-D objects was much more interesting.”

A gift of a class in metal-working led her to try creating metal sculptures of objects which she had first created in fabric.

Photo of Crab Nebula inspires a 3-D textile art piece

Spending time with Judith was an affirmation that…

Creating is a great way to access wonder

Light-filled and bright, Judith’s entire apartment was filled with art. Many of the pieces of art were her creations—some serious, others whimsical—but she also had many colorful pieces of art and books created by other artists. Her living room was a combination of art studio/living space/art gallery with her sewing table set up beside a lovely light-filled window.

So whenever that brittle voice of dissatisfaction emerges within me, I can say “Ah, my ego! There you are, old friend!”

… At such times, I can always steady my life once more by returning to my soul. I ask it, “And what is it that you want, dear one?”

“The answer is always the same: “More wonder, please.”

“As long as I’m still moving in that direction—toward wonder—then I know I will always be fine in my soul, which is where it counts. And since creativity is still the most effective way for me to access wonder, I choose it.

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear