While there is no right way to do anything when it comes to art, I am a firm believer that no matter what you do, learning the basics well can only lead to better things. While it might seem limiting at first, you will be thankful later. At least that’s what my dad always told me.
It’s the old, ‘I don’t want to do this to you any more than you want me to, but I’m spanking you because I love you. Some day you’ll thank me.’ He was right. Thanks for the belt on the butt, dad. You made me who I am today.
Much like my dad held us kids in line when we were little, so did one of my first lampwork teachers. Corina. With only about 4 hours on the torch I was called in from the waiting list 10 minutes before her class started. I had no clue what I was doing. One of her ‘rules’ was, hold the mandrel in the same hand and always turn away from you.
It sounded good to me. What did I know? You mean, people used their other hand? Both hands? They spun their beads back and forth? Even towards themselves? GASP! It was a long time before I saw anyone doing it differently than I was taught. In my beginner mind, I did what I was told and I believed the teacher.
While it sounds strict and maybe even rigid or limiting, I think it was one of the best lessons I learned in those early days. Now, I’m not telling you that that is the only way to do it. Of course it’s not. What I’m saying is, I was able to lay a strong foundation for myself because I was focused and regimented. I did it that way until I got good at it and then I was skilled enough to do it another way. It would have taken me twice as long (or more) if I were trying out all kinds of different ways.
I’ve heard other stories of people believing that if you want to get good at something, do the same thing 100 times. Make 100 donut beads before you move onto something else. Make 100 dotted donut beads before the next thing, etc.
The point is, learn the basics and learn them well. While you might be able to create some nice stuff, in the long run you will be glad if you build your foundation first. There are many benefits to repetition and consistency and practice. Here are a few:
- Repetition increases your speed in working
- Repetition can be relaxing
- Repetition increases your control and skill
- Consistency frees your mind up for new ideas to enter your mind
- Consistency helps you be able to repeat processes better
Sounds pretty boring, doesn’t it? Well, I’m beating you over the head with it because I love you. Dad would be proud.
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Great thoughts. I tend to think if I complete a task I have mastered it, but…that is so far from the truth! I do need consistency and repetition to feel good about the task I am trying to complete. Thanks so much for the reminder.
It is also good to know as I am teaching my son how to make basic jewelry. He likes that “instant gratification”, so reminding him that the consistency of what he is learning now will pay off later, will hopefully be encouraging to him.
I’m not sure how I came to your blog, but I have been reading it for about a month now. So glad I came here
Thanks for reading along Christy! If you like what you’ve seen so far, you’ll really like what is coming! I plan to share lots more glass and bead information and feel free to drop me a line if you have something you’d like to see addressed here!
Just like I realize now that my parents were always right …your son will thank you later!