Joy, despair, and returning the gift
March 2025
“I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift”
~ Robin Wall Kimmerer
Hi! How are you? I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ve recently read ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer for the first time. When I finished, I read it again, underlining and dog-earing to mark passages that were particularly meaningful to me. The quote at the top of this page talks about choosing joy. That’s not always easy for me. When I think about the brokenness of the world, I feel it. In my belly, on my brain. And sometimes it feels like too much. But then the other part of that quote … “ but because that’s what the earth gives me daily, and I must return the gift”. I feel that too, with my entire being, right down to my toes.
With that in mind, I’ve been creating blackbirds. They are resilient, adaptable birds. If you look closely you’ll see a heart in the chest of each one. One swooping up with a strawberry in its beak, a symbol of sweetness and abundance, another eyes green with envy, spiraling, fixated on that stolen fruit. Ignoring the other gifts around it. They’re in a dance of sorts, creating a story that is still unfolding for me.
With gratitude, Lisa
I’m looking forward to doing a few shows this summer and creating new cards and prints, and, I am so excited about this…
My new mini print vending machine!
My hope is that I will be able to move this machine around to different locations, like a traveling mini exhibit, and including different artists’ work alongside mine.
You’ll have to imagine it gussied up a little and full of mini art treasures.
If you know of a location that might be right for it, please let me know!
I haven’t dabbled much in wool lately, but I still have an oversized stash. If you’re in need of some, I’ve reduced my price and would like to get some out of my studio and into your hands.
I had the opportunity to teach a private needle felted nest to class to an incredible group of women this weekend, and as always, I love seeing the different approaches to the medium. Their unique touches were so creative and inspiring, and the group was beyond lovely to work with.
Definitely full of joy.
Thank you for reading. It means the world to me.
I’ll be back next month with more updates. If you think someone else may enjoy my work, I’d be grateful if you’d share this with them or encourage them to visit my website where they can sign up for my newsletter, consider workshops, and peruse my work.
Thank you!
Have questions? Email me at lisa@lilfishstudios.com
