Message From the President

Kaki Steward, President

Kaki Steward

 

Flexibility of the Mind 

  

Do you remember the first time you held a brush of dye next to silk? Did you realize, that the brilliant stroke you created quite by accident sealed your fate? You would, from that moment on, love the Art of Silk? Having been bitten by that silkworm, you may have bought “Silk Art” bibles authored by such pioneers as Tuckman and Janas, Moyer, and Kennedy. At your leisure, you poured over the photos in these books and found yourself, still wanting more. You researched options and found a way to take a workshop or two.

You probably arrived at that first workshop timidly carrying your supplies. You realized that the simple “newness” of your items marked you a novice. The next exceptional thing you discovered was that silk artists by nature are a kind & sharing group. They tend to lovingly welcome silk artists as one of their own. They were quick to share and eager to bring you into the fold.

One of the most unique qualities of our silk family is our acceptance of the many different paths upon which we travel. Some of us thrive on creating a vision so like the original; it is mistaken for that exact subject. Others define their art by creating the colors of the raw emotions that accompany a particular subject rather than visual representation of the subject itself.

Some of us artistically exist only to push the envelope of our expression of silk art in a most unorthodox of ways. We have been know to take forgiving silk and tear, burn, wax, bind,embellish,weave,knit and sew it into our interpretation of silk art. Others combine their vision and emotion to transpire their silk into costume art and fashion.

No matter where your journey has carried you, whether you've traveled many miles or just a few we are honored that Silk Painters International has become part of your map. Now I would like you to consider a path less traveled on your Silk Art journey.

Exercise your mind and go outside your comfort zone. One of my favorite Yoga teachers was fond of saying, “Stretch just past that sweet level of discomfort and breathe”. Learning is intensified when we are somewhat uncomfortable and challenged beyond our skill level. This type of exercise can be not only invigorating but also energizing. So now expand your flexibility by taking a giant step outside your box.

Take a community class in jewelry making, pottery or fly-fishing. Learn the anatomy of a flower, take up a musical instrument or learn how to really make risotto. Find a poem and translate it to silk art. Take your favorite music and discover its color on silk.

Remember it's just as important to exercise our minds as it is to walk 30 minutes a day so take your artistic self on an uncharted hike and find out just how flexible you can be. Where this takes you, only time will tell, and we are all grateful that you'll be bringing SPIN along for the ride.

 

Kaki Signature