Who was it that first looked at a rock and thought, "Now *that'd* make a great TOOL"?
I’m fascinated by pioneers, inventors and explorers. Such minds are truly alien to me; how is it possible for a person to look at the same world that every other person has been looking at for ages and see something entirely different, something new? It’s nothing short of astounding that, when presented with what might be the deeply familiar, one person’s distinctive set of synapses suddenly makes a new constellation from the assorted bits of seen-before information to create a completely new idea–and out of this there is a new object or a new skill or a newly discovered country, in that one event changing the known world into a whole different thing.
I’m quite excited but not intimidated by doing that sort of inventive stuff artistically–in imaginary terms–but it’s quite another thing to consider pulling that sort of stunt to get a practical outcome. Those people able to envision a useful and purposeful way to take advantage of existing stuff have provided innumerable advances for human culture. I’m especially amazed by the intrepid andcourageous (or foolhardy) folk that break trail, build roads, cross unknown oceans and so much more, to open up new concepts and ideas to shift our entire understanding of our universe.
Who stacked the stones that made the very first wall? The first road between walled places? The first trek that plotted the course of the road?
What gives me courage is that not only are there stronger and braver souls than li’l ol’ me to do all of the serious exploring and adventuring and discovery, but that somewhere along the line someone had the inspiration to make melodious sounds and so, sang. Made a drum from a log. Painted with blood or powder or crushed plants on a cliff side or a cave wall. It’s a wonder and a grandly glorious gift that these superlative scientists-of-delight chose–or were compelled–to create dance and drama and song and pictorial beauty, and the more so because they decided, somewhere along the line, to pass along their newly discovered links to yet more undiscovered worlds. They taught the next generation to do the same. On the strength of this wonder, we are the long-time beneficiaries of these marvels, and as it happens, the torch-bearers by whom this will be carried into the future.
So I’m not the heroine who’ll be discovering an unknown species of beneficial insect, finding the previously unseen river, designing the DNA modification that cures Alzheimer’s, or changing the course of history in any way, shape or form. But I will be using shape and form, along with color and texture, character and text, to see what I can bring to this world as we know it, to see how a measly twerp with less sophistication than your average cave-dweller might be able to be an inventor and discoverer of my own sort of thing.
. . . and I'll keep my eyes open for inspirations wherever they may be . . .
Art-Colored Glasses 
Ah, but you’re wrong. You *will* change the world – indeed, you already have – in ways that you may never see, know, or understand. Changes come in all sizes, butterfly breeze to hurricane force, and everything in between…Be the ripple in the pond, and alter – however slightly – the ripples of those around you…
Thanks for making me think today. 🙂
You might be more influential than you think. While you might not be the one that actually discovers a new way of doing something or invents a new contraption, the vision that you create may cause that unknown inventor to see things differently, and thereby make his invention. Presenting life in a unique way always causes others to look differently. 🙂
Marie and Ted, of *course* you are both ever so right! You are living proof of this: you two and a handful of other fellow bloggers have opened up whole new worlds to me through your blogs, through your comments, and through your thoughtful support. When we operate in the social sphere with worthwhile people, we can’t help but have effects on each other. I only hope my effect on others is generally benign, if a little loopy! 😉 Thanks for all you say, write, photograph and do!
I too am in awe of those who can look at the world differently and fashion a new way of doing things or invent something that will change lives (hopefully for the better). I wonder is it a combination of being brave enough to question received wisdom and being determined enough to pursue what other may not believe possible.
I suspect that’s precisely how it works, at least much of the time. Wonder how I can tap into that combination! 🙂
I’d venture to say you are already on your way to discover your own creation and the fact you are here sharing with all of us is already changing the world or the way we see our world. Thank you Kathryn
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you, Anyes!
Perhaps there are pioneers of another kind – painting on the walls of other people’s minds, building ideas lword by word into beautiful cathedrals of joy, and plucking on the soul’s strings to make heart songs never heard before. Perhaps you are one of those, Kathryn, with your words and pictures.
A high calling indeed! I will gladly strive toward such heights. You are sweet to suggest such a thing, and I take it as a powerful directive from the tremendous creative spirit that *you* are. Thank you, thank you for the support and inspiration, my friend!
Wonderful art, great thoughts.
Thank you for your kindness!
I am really trying to come up with something clever to write in this box, but I have some photos of my newest rescue that are calling me to edit them! So, I will simply say this: You are a pioneer in your own right, creatively speaking. I am amazed each time I come over to your page to visit and read your newest offerings at your mastery of each media you use from the words to the graphite and charcoal.
((HUGS)) You are incredibly generous. I thank you! I find tremendous inspiration and fresh astonishments in your work, too, every time I visit your blog.
I, too, am indebted to inventors of everything complicated. Without them I wouldn’t be typing this response. Without them I wouldn’t be able to tell you that each and every day you are an inspiring and divine heroine who fills my world with your beautiful imagination through your beneficial words and inventive art:) xo Barb
I don’t know if a person as pale as I am is actually capable of blushing, but if so, you have brought all 2 oz. of my blood zipping right to my cheekbones. Thank you for such overwhelming kindness. I happily devour your beautiful blog and the spirit in it at every opportunity as well, so we can now officially convene this meeting of the mutual admiration society. You are a beauty and a blessing, Barbara!
Yes, the World benefits greatly from the inventors among us — and sadly I am not, even in the slightest way, one of them. It, also, benefits from our diversity — and that’w where you and I come in. I can live with that.
Me too! 😀