When a Butterfly Sneezes...
INTENTIONS | 4.1.2020
If You Are Overwhelmed, Scared, and Tired—
I hear you.
I’m sorry.
Hang in there.
Like most people, I have sidelined my creative pursuits this month. It’s okay if you have too.
These are hard times. People we love are losing their jobs, people we love are stressed, and people we love are struggling. Not all of us have the privilege to “write it out.” But if you do have the time and ability… write this one out.
I compiled a list 10 various resources at the end: financial resources for artists, virtual literary events, “at home” activities for kids, and more. Check it out.
Keep on, Herders.
Heart goes out to all of you.
CREATIVITY CRUSH | 4.1.20
The Herd is still presenting a new artist at this time because we feel that we can ALL use hope and inspiration. With that, we are grateful to introduce the amazing Melinda—the “Jaqueline of all creative trades.” Amidst all the global chaos, Melinda carved time to connect with me over these past few weeks, and she has much hope for artists, despite these times.
Melinda works in many mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, intaglio, photography, and ceramics. Faith and nature infuse her work and inspire her to create. Her studio is a colorful wonderland of mediums.
“My creativity brings me closer to God and His purpose for my life. Art is an expression of my love for the talents I’ve been blessed to share.” —Melinda
Nature appears throughout Melinda’s art, especially since part of her process involves spending time connecting to the natural world. Just “watching the world around me,” Melinda says, “has a big impact on the work I produce. It puts perspective on my color schemes, lighting, and how I want my work to feel to others.”
In response to coronavirus and this stressful time, Melinda asks artists not to shy away from their work. “We are the creators, we are the problem-solvers, we are the future innovators—we push for change, and we strive for understanding […].”
Where will Melinda be during these next few weeks? Creating art that grounds her—and art that grounds all the people who connect with her colorful, whimsical pieces.
You can follow Melinda on Instagram @Wurkzchiq or click here.
APRIL WRITING PROMPT | 4.1.2020
Complete the following sentence and write for at least 10 minutes: “All I ever wanted was ______________.”
Not sure what word to fill in the blank? Open a book near you to a random page and pick a word you like!
Fellow Herder, Annika, explores a movement-based writing prompt offered @siennaballou. Try the prompt! It’s very hands-on and creative.
WRITING RESPONSES | 4.1.20
RESPONSES from March “Inanimate Objects”
We are excited to share this beautiful, haunting writing response, from the poet, Tara K. Shepersky. If you haven’t yet, check out her blog that explores “conversations with place, land, and home.”
MARCH PROMPT: “Write about a person whose reputation rests on the appearance of an inanimate object.”
Prompt Response from Herder Tara K. Shepersky:
“Smoke & Mirror”
She
disappears.
Between that gold
scrollwork, behind
that silver-speaking
glass, her beauty
thrives. Her consequence.
Her worth.
Some days—
bad days, blood days,
old days, fat days,
days that allow
a blackhead,
a new gray hair—
some slowly leaching
autumn days—
only fog
coils below
that smooth
sharp
surface.
QUICK LIT REVIEW | 4.1.20
More thoughts on Esmé Weijun Wang’s The Collected Schiozophrenias
I wrote about this book in our March issue. It’s an astounding account of one artist’s struggle to discern psychosis from reality.
Esmé included a 4th-century B.C.E. poem in her book, and that poem stuck with me. It’s by the Chinese poet Chuang Tzu, a poet well over 2,000 years old—and still relevant. If that doesn’t speak to the longevity of art, then I don’t know what does.
The poem is short:
“Produce! Get results! Make money! Make friends! Make changes! Or you will die of despair.”—Chuang Tzu
RESOURCES AND HAPPENINGS | 4.1.20
Resources and scholarship database for artists financially-impacted by COVID-19.
National Endowment for the Arts database of COVID-19 financial resources.
Livestream of literary readings and events from The Bindery.
“At-home” nature-inspired activities with kids here.
32 National Parks You can Explore Virtually.
Donate to support Queer Writers of Color affected by COVID-19 here.
New podcast by writer Emily Gordon and comedian/actor Kumail Nanjiana. Profits go to charities affected by COVID-19.
10 Top Museums to Explore Virtually here.
Virtual Book Channel from LIT HUB connecting writers with readers.
Comprehensive list for writer resources and financial support.
Hang in there, world.
That’s it for Issue IX of The Herd. Please comment below or share The Herd with anyone who needs the lift.