What happens when you bring nature into the studio to make your own mark making tools?
The studio smells like pine. You create your own visual language.
And you bring in hitchhikers.
If you have any phobias about spiders, you may not want to watch this video. Just stick to the post to get some inspiration on creating your own mark making tools.
Energy Level: 7
I invite those of you with chronic illness to split this activity up into small pieces. You don’t have to do all of this at one time.
Walk in nature
Making the tools
Supplies
Sticks, pine boughs, pine needles, long grasses, pine cones, leaves anything from nature that might make an interesting mark or impression.
String, wire, duct tape—something to hold things together. I used wire and painters tape.
Scissors, wire cutters
Some sort of bug catcher
Create
I like to create my own mark making tools, especially from things that I collect on my walks because it helps me create my own visual language. They also push me to focus on the process, be curious and play during my creative practice.
But nature comes with bugs. And spiders.
So, as you put your sticks, leaves, and grasses together, keep an eye out for the hitchhikers.
I invite you to combine the materials you collected on a walk in any way that makes sense to your hands and how you hold things. I find wire and tape the easiest method to hold bits and bobs together.
Reflection
As I mentioned in the video, I started walking as a way to create my own form of wellbeing living with MCAS and Sarcoidosis. In the beginning, both affected my lungs, so I could not walk far without collapsing out of breath. And MCAS caused post exertion malaise and severe brain fog until I got on medication (I still get this but not after walking). In those early days, I would just walk onto my front porch and sit.
Eventually, I could walk to the mailbox, then around the block, and finally onto the walking path through my wooded neighborhood. Then the pandemic started and I got to stay home longer. I did more walks, twice a day, and I documented my walks with the phone. Photos of lizards, butterflies, flowers, moss, bugs, and seasonal change fill my phone. I still document my walks, and now that includes easy hikes in state and national parks near my house.
These photos remind me that I am resilient. I can find my own “normal” under uncertainty. I can do hard things.
Closing
Now that you have made your own mark making tools, I invite you to make some marks. You can create along with the Marks of Reinvention tutorial or experiment on your own.
I would love to see your handmade tools. Just post a photo in the comments or chat, or tag Crooked Path Studio in your Note.
And if you know anyone who should be on this crooked path with us, please be sure to share this post and the publication.
See you next time!
