A surreal week has provided an opportunity to immerse myself in the studio, much more than usual. A creative activity takes your mind in a different direction for a few hours, and it is so necessary to escape, even for a short moment, as we weather this storm.

The extra time at my bench has allowed me to develop and play with a new fabrication technique. I am discovering endless possibilities for interesting shape shifting designs and combinations. So many, that I need to decide what to focus on and what to set aside for the future.

While I’ve had failures during this phase, some cool successes were achieved too. Failure is helpful because we learn why something isn’t working, and rather than giving up, it challenges us to figure out a solution. What a profound sense of accomplishment when that happens.

The next exciting step is turning these little sculptures into jewelry. I will share them with you soon, hoping they bring you joy.

As we forge ahead, my thoughts continue to be with everyone who depends on their small business to pay the bills. I know this too shall pass, and praying that it ends quickly.

For now, this is the shape of things and we must make the best of it, for when it’s over our strength will propel us forward.

Stay well my friends.

Jackie

How does one define creative freedom?

This answer will certainly vary from each imaginative, gifted, artistic soul to the next. For me, being a former design director in the corporate world, there are many meanings. To be fair, there were countless moments of sheer joy and success, but many were hard fought. Now, I am no longer constrained by deadlines, budgets, opinions, criticisms, and rejections to name just a few.

Creative freedom means I can conceive and build everything my spirit craves, without scrutiny and audit by anyone other than myself. I can work as few or as many hours necessary to complete a project to my satisfaction. It also means managing every detail related to this small business. The up's and down's are explicitly mine to handle, solve, enjoy and admire. It's a scary thing, but having complete ownership, accepting what comes with this blossoming venture is definitely worthwhile.

As artists we crave to inspire others and seek admiration for our work, providing validation and a sense of purpose. If by chance we only inspire ourselves, at least we have done so with absolute conviction, inner fulfillment, and most importantly, creative freedom.

I hope you have a chance stop by and visit Jackie Jordan, LLC to see my latest jewelry creations. Each item is handcrafted with pure delight.

Sincerely,

Jackie

"Creativity is contagious, pass it on" Albert Einstein