Friday, October 9, 2009

Joy Diet: Thoughts on Desire



I am writing from Denver, Colorado this morning. Of course I am up way early because it is east coast time. I am writing to share with you the chapter of the week on Desire from our journey through the Joy Diet.

On my way out to Denver on the plane- I read The Rolling Stones Magazine's Tribute to Michael Jackson. I was surprised to learn that after Jacko's Off the Wall LP, Michael had a strong desire to get a Grammy award because he felt that the work on the album was superb. He did not get but one Grammy and he was extremely disappointed. So he set out to do an album of all albums. The next album he thought will win everything and be the best album of all time. Well it turns out Thriller did just that. But what was next? Did he ever get to the now what?


After reading this chapter, I began to think about my life and my true desires. I found that I have already in some cases found my true desires. I am now working part time as a doll and mixed media artist and full time as an interior decorator. So obviously I am in two creative fields. This came about through acting upon my strong desires about 6 years ago and developing a plan of action to get there.

So after thinking about that, I paused again and started thinking- "now that I have accomplished what I want to do, what is my desire NOW?" So after some meditation I began to think about what is coming up as my strongest desire.

Here it is: one of the things as a doll artist I encounter most often is the feeling that dolls are somehow considered voodoo. People in particular look at my art dolls, the ones with the wild hair that in my opinion really speak to an artistic statement, and say "are your dolls voodoo dolls?" Then I want to shake them and give them a history of what art dolls are and what they are all about.

This led me to think about putting together some sort of education program in my community. I am considering a video, forum, book or some other venue to educate the public about what art dolls are and what they are not. This desire keeps coming up in me and I feel like I have to in some way act on it.

This may seem trite and maybe not too deep for some folks, but the desire to act and to educate the public about the importance of art dolls as a true art form is very important to me.

I am writing notes and getting inspiration from various sources on this subject. I am also looking for any thoughts my blogg readers may have in getting this information.

As I read through the chapter I have decided to put together an outline or plan of action based on the recommendations. I am hoping to see some results shortly.

18 comments:

Kathryn Costa said...

Your dream of a art doll educational piece is fantastic. Go for it! I think any time we can share and teach and open the minds of others is a great thing. I look forward to seeing what you develop.

All the best on your *true desire* endeavor.

Kaileen Elise said...

hello! thanks for stopping by my blog. i enjoyed reading about your discovery - continue to follow your desires. they have already brought you to a magnificent path. xo, kaileenelise

Sherry said...

Oh lovely!!! That you are now inspired for "what now" and are moving on to "what's next". You listened and realized that your reaction to people's "assumption" that your dolls are voodoo was telling you it was time to educate. Brava!! I am wishing you much success -- I think you have the makings of something truly wonderful brewing in your heart!

WrightStuff said...

I think this is a very worthy desire - it sounds like you are already in tune with what you want & need. Go for it!!

Lucy Ladham-Dyment said...

Go for it. Educate us... the world, one pebble at a time... Sounds real important to you. Keep on. Thanks for sharing.

Melinda said...

this is the first time I am seeing your dolls and I did not think of them as voodoo dolls at all. I think they are beautiful creations!

I love your thoughts here on this chapter DESIRE!

I also realized that many times we do things we desire..but then never go forward from there! We stay in that state from there on until something else rocks our world to make us have to sort of push forward. I think it would be nice to do that ourselves to ourselves sometimes rather than have something from the outside FORCE us to act.

Thanks for the thoughts and stopping by my blog today!

Lawendula said...

Yes, the Thriller story. I read that every time he saw a sunrise, he put his wish into it: As the sun rises, my album will come out to shine....
I read about (10-9- John Lennon would be 69 today!) the Beatles, that after every flopped show, they made a ritual:
Where is this going to end?
On the top of the pops!
And it worked!!!
So if you know what you want to do, what you REALLY want, who can stop you now?

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful desire to share your passion! Many blessings as you continue to explore you deepest wishes....

Grammy said...

That sounds like a great ideal. The more people know the more they will want to buy. Best wishes. Your dolls are beautiful.

Lexington said...

I love the way that you have written about your passion in relation to desires.

Silke Powers said...

What a wonderful desire! And it sounds like you are already living the life of your dreams!! Hugs, Silke

P.S. I love your dolls!!

Helen said...

Brava! I love how you found the importance of the "then what?" question. I like your analogies using pop music history (this post and your previous one). So great to see how each of us come from such individual places because there's such great food for thought from multiple viewpoints. Your idea for the educational piece is very creative. Keep it coming!

The Other Laura said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and great ideas about desire.

Karen D said...

your desire to educate people in regards to art dolls does not seem trite at all, I would love to learn more about them. Thanks for sharing your journey with desire this week.

Anonymous said...

As usual, a wonderful post, Sis. And as for your desire, I'm behind you all the way!

Angie said...

I love that you want to express your love of art dolls, and the need you feel to educate to your community.
I feel too that the world needs to be educated about art, there are so many misconceptions and misunderstandings all the time. good on you for finding your desire.

Genie Sea said...

I say go for it! Any desire to illuminate and eradicate ignorance is an awesome desire indeed. By enlightening people about your dolls, who knows how much this artistic field will bloom.

It might even take the form of a fun workshop. There is nothing like getting hands on! :)

Unknown said...

I love the idea of an art doll educational piece :)