A Case for Crafting
Today's Hike through creative expression...
“Why buy it for $7 when you can make it yourself with $92 of craft supplies!” ~ The Crafters Creed
Heh heh. I know these people – the knitters, potters, painters, stitchers, jewelry makers, bullet journalers and scrapbookers of the world. People who commit to their craft and happily invest a small fortune in tools and materials.
Oh yes, myself included.
I’ve succumbed to several ‘creative whims’ over the years, everything from brown bag crafts and blanket-stitched felt ornaments to scrapbooking, cross-stitching, and funky wood furniture painting. Most recently it’s origami paper folding (cranes specifically – but more about that in the next post). Creative supplies fill me with joy. I still have a thing for beads and embroidery floss. And I adore stickers. (Okay, pens and notebooks, too – but I digress…)
Anyway, before you start thinking the Crafter’s Creed is exclusive to the ‘Arts & Crafts’ demographic, think again. If you’re a Creative in any way, shape or fashion, it applies to you too. I’m talking to the foodies (kitchen gadgets, cookware, specialty ingredients); home interior decorators (gallons of paint, closet organizers, cabinet and drawer pulls); woodworkers (table saws, sanders, lathes); landscapers/gardeners (shovels, soil, flowers, shrubs, trees); and so on…
When you are passionate about your craft, money will be spent.
See? We’re all in this together.
But here’s the thing: you can’t really put a price tag on the joy and satisfaction that comes from a human’s desire to create (even when it involves more time and materials than the finished product is potentially worth) because that’s not the point, is it?
Correct answer: Absolutely Not.
As it turns out, the time and money spent on creative expression is time and money well spent. We’re better humans for it. According to a number of scientific studies, all sorts of benefits have been associated with crafting and creative pursuits:
Stress Reduction
Journal of the American Art Therapy Association: participants in art therapy showed reduced cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Takeaway: when we engage in a creative process, whether that’s painting, knitting, sculpting or whatever, we focus on the present moment and our minds relax.
Mood Enhancement
Journal of Positive Psychology: participants who engaged in small creative tasks experienced increased dopamine levels (feelings of pleasure and reward). Takeaway: time spent in a creative endeavor positively impacts overall happiness (well-being) and emotional state (mood).
The Arts in Psychotherapy: participants who engaged in art therapy had improved mood and a greater ability to cope with emotions. Takeaway: creating art (including art journaling or ‘junk’ journaling) can serve as a form of emotional expression and a way to have fun while processing feelings that may be difficult to verbally articulate.
Cognitive Benefits
The Journal of Aging and Health: elderly individuals who engaged in arts and crafts activities showed improved cognitive functioning (including memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills) compared to those who did not. Takeaway: arts and crafts often require attention to detail, planning, and the use of fine motor skills, all of which can stimulate brain activity and support cognitive health (*especially beneficial for older adults in maintaining mental acuity).
Mindfulness and Focus
Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts: people who engage in artistic activities often induce ‘flow’ (a state of deep immersion and focus with no distractions or worries), which leads to greater emotional and mental well-being. Repetitive tasks, such as knitting, stamping patterns, or coloring, can offer a peaceful escape, help you disconnect from stressors and reconnect with yourself. Takeaway: a heightened state of focus can improve mental regulation, increase happiness, and reduce negative thinking. And it’s a screen-free way to slow down in today’s fast-paced world.
Solo to Social Connection
Although the act of creation and expression is often a calming solo endeavor, it can also be a source of positive social interaction. Whether you’re feeling bored or isolated, or you’re an out-going chatterbox craving a sense of belonging, attending community art classes or crafting circles is a great way to get out and meet people with similar interests.
For example, earlier this spring, my sister-in-law and I tapped a completely new-to-us creative market: rug hooking. We spent an entire Saturday at a free workshop, chit-chatting our way around the well-attended hall, visiting each table and admiring each work-in-progress — and asking a zillion questions (as newbies do). As a result, we learned that rug hooking requires (as most creative pursuits do) a specific set of tools and materials, thus opening a whole new world in which to spend our crafting dollars (because, of course, we each bought a starter kit).
And so we go, with renewed well-being and dented pocket books, down the road of Creative Catharsis.
Unless you’re a perfectionist. Then ouch. Your road can get a little bumpy.
Now, don’t get me wrong, perfectionism has its place in the shape and vision and detail of an idea. But when it’s time to execute that idea (especially in the realm of creativity), these same elements can leave you feeling stuck. You know, when the mere thought of messing up or worrying you’ll be ‘bad’ at something stops you in your tracks. Paralyzes you. Prevents you from even starting. And then you’re in a constant fight to get unstuck.
Because perfectionism shuts down the creative process.
Perfectionism is the death of creativity.
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.” ~ Elbert Hubbard
If you find yourself slipping into that head space, take heart and read on…
The Art of Deliberate Imperfection
Did you know there are cultures around the world that choose to abandon the rigid and obsessive behavior of perfectionism and deliberately introduce flaws, asymmetries and other unexpected elements into their works?
It’s true! From the Navajo Nation to India, the Middle East and Japan, artists and craftsmen embrace the concept of imperfection to remind themselves that flaws (and mistakes) are an integral part of being human. Need proof? Let’s see…
Navajo rug weavers
Navajo are deeply religious; they believe only the Gods are perfect and that humans cannot achieve the same perfect level. Thus, to honor them, they deliberately incorporate imperfections in their weaving. It might be a loose piece of yarn, a different colored bead, or an asymmetrical design. Some have only one and others a few, but these deliberate ‘flaws’ do not detract from the beauty of the item.
Another deliberate imperfection in the Navajo culture is called ch'ihónít'i, a ‘spirit line’ or ‘spirit pathway’ woven into the border of a rug – just a single line in contrasting color that extends to the textile’s edge. Weavers believe they entwine a part of their being into the rug and this spirit line allows the part of their trapped spirit to safely exit the rug.
Japanese Wabi Sabi
“If an object or expression can bring about, within us, a sense of serene melancholy and spiritual longing, then that object could be said to be wabi-sabi.” ~ Andrew Juniper
Wabi Sabi, Japan’s version of deliberate imperfection, has been in practice since at least the 16th century and is based on three simple realities:
Nothing lasts
Nothing is finished
Nothing is perfect
Traditional expressions of Wabi Sabi acknowledge beauty in the imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete, and are prevalent in many forms of Japanese art and culture.
Certain pottery styles showcase irregular vessels with deliberate chips or nicks in them; colors or textures emphasize an unrefined or simple look.
The traditional bamboo flute music of wandering Zen monks, called the Komusō (‘priests of nothingness’ or ‘monks of emptiness’), who wear straw basket hats that cover their entire head to manifest the absence of ego (but also for traveling incognito on pilgrimage).
The cultivation of bonsai (miniature trees) featuring deadwood sections or hollowed trunks to highlight the passage of time and natural imperfection.
The tea ceremony, which blends the two principles: Wabi representing the inner or spiritual experiences, sober refinement, subdued taste, and characterized by humility, restraint, simplicity and imperfection; and Sabi representing the outer or material imperfection of life, and also the original nature of things.
Many elements of Japanese culture honor the harmony of nature and self-cultivation, and embrace imperfection as a healthy reminder to cherish our unpolished selves in the here and now.
Islamic architecture
At its core, Islamic architecture is deeply rooted in the concept of tawhid, the oneness and boundless nature of Allah. Similar to other cultures, the principles adhere to the belief that God is perfect and humans are not. However, there is no essential difference between spiritual and secular art in Islam.
The use of symmetry, repetition, and intricate patterns symbolize infinity and the interconnectedness of life. Arabesque designs feature intertwining vines, flowers, geometrical shapes, and calligraphy (never human or animal likenesses) are expressed in beautifully decorated arches, domes and vaulted ceilings across the Arab world. While the patterns appear perfectly symmetrical, they include minor irregularities and deliberate mistakes as a show of humility.
Punjabi Phulkari patterns
Phulkari (flower work), a highly popular hand embroidery technique in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan, relies on intricate patterns using brightly colored silk threads stitched directly onto cotton cloth (typically worn as head scarves and shawls). The tradition, dating back to the 15th century, is practiced by women in rural areas as a celebration of womanhood.
During the design, sometimes a small color or pattern change is introduced to protect the wearer from the evil eye, or to mark an important event — such as a birth or death — that occurs during the garment’s creation. As such, each finished piece expresses the unique feelings, hopes and dreams of the individual embroiderer and represents the reflection of heritage passed down with love and precision.
Each stitch is made with the needle’s tip pointed away from the embroiderer and going toward others, indicating the work comes from the heart. The narrower the stitch, the finer quality the Phulkari.
Some common motifs used:
Flowers – represent prosperity, growth, and joy.
Birds – symbolize freedom and happiness.
Geometric Patterns – depict order, balance, and harmony.
Artisans spend hours steeped in focus, taking anywhere from a few days to several months to complete a Phulkari, and believe the imperfections add character and authenticity — regarded not as flaws but as a ‘signature’ of the handwoven effort, thereby giving each Phulkari a distinct, one-of-a-kind look.
Meet Jackson Pollock
“When I am in my painting, I’m not aware of what I’m doing. It is only after a sort of “get acquainted” period that I see what I have been about. I have no fear of making changes, destroying the image, etc., because the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through. It is only when I lose contact with the painting that the result is a mess. Otherwise there is pure harmony, an easy give and take, and the painting comes out well.”
~ Jackson Pollock, My Painting, 1947
Paul Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), an American painter widely noted for his ‘drip’ technique, was part of the abstract expressionist movement. In a barn converted into a studio, he honed his technique: he would pour or splash liquid paint onto a horizontal surface (which enabled him to view and paint his canvases from all angles), and then use the force of his whole body to paint in a frenetic dancing style. It was called ‘all-over’ painting or ‘action’ painting, and while it divided the critics of the day (praise vs derision), Pollock’s most famous paintings were made during this ‘drip period’ between 1947 and 1950.
However, in a catalog introducing his first exhibition four years earlier, Pollock’s talent was described as ‘volcanic’ –
“It has fire. It is unpredictable. It is undisciplined. It spills out of itself in a mineral prodigality, not yet crystallized.”
Volcanic and wild. I do believe that’s about as far from perfectionism as one can get.
Meet Patrick Guindon
“Joyful art for hopeful people.” ~ Patrick Guindon
Here’s a creative rebel close to home! Patrick, a former teacher, is an artist and owner of Creative Rebel Studio, a joyful shop and creative process studio right here in Montague, Prince Edward Island. He teaches classes, hosts drop-in process experiences and workshops (for children and adults), and makes it his mission to support creative expression and growth for ALL ages. He calls it “building a toolkit of creative armor” and he should know – his own art (usually in the form of florals) is focused on good vibes, living a vibrant, intuitive life, and capturing the little feelings of positivity that bring happiness and joy. Plus, he’s an all-around amazing human!
Conclusion
“There is something intrinsically questionable about our search for perfection. Life is in a constant state of transformation and we ourselves are also in a constant state of metamorphosis and renewal.
Perfection can lead to fixed ideas and ideologies that are contrary to the evolution of thought and form.
Perfection is a construct of mind that wishes to abolish the uncertainty and ambiguity of life.
The imperfect world is the world that we live in, and to embrace this in how we approach the creation of art is a philosophical position that acknowledges this vulnerability that indeed makes us all more human.”
~ Gary Brewer
Baby Steps
Your mistakes don’t have to be on purpose, but when you allow yourself to dive into a project — free from the fear of thinking it has to be perfect — then you’re free to get messy and make beautiful things, ridiculous things, even hideous things! And it won’t matter. Because if you strive for ‘process’ instead of ‘perfection,’ your creativity becomes a pathway to better living. To better well-being.
So go on. Grab your favorite crafting supplies and make a mess. Make mistakes. And have fun finding the healthier, happier you.
“Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.” ~ Shunryu Suzuki
Until next time, happy creating,
~ Kathy XX
One of the most influential ideas is from the book "How To Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci". Being curious about how things work keeps you motivated and involved in making life interesting and exciting. Fear of failure prevents you from accomplishing things you never knew you could do. Or if someone else can do something, so can you. It may take more time or require you to learn something new but your talents are only limited by your willingness to try.