Monday, September 19, 2011

Imagine That

Over the years I've written a bazillion letters, emails & narratives related to the challenging business of construction management, otherwise known as "my big boy job". There's never been anything remotely creative about any of that correspondence, other than touches of biting sarcasm, something I often struggle (with limited success) to control. I've always been one to get to the point & making friends, in business at least, has never been a priority. With that bit of background on the table, ME writing books for kids is still something I can't wrap my brain around. The two worlds are so opposite.

Today we visited The Baliker Gallery in Palm Coast to check out the sculptures of the very talented Paul Baliker. His work is incredible, especially the way he uses driftwood, like this:

And this:



There's more on the website, all very click worthy - so check it out. But there was a bronze piece that caught my eye ... & would look great in my writing room. (Deb? It's only $4500!!!)
This is named "Once Upon A Time". The kid is obviously readng a book (very cool) & his imagination, as you will "see" below is in high gear.







All from the pages of a "book".

Out of the blue, in July 2007 to be exact, I started writing. It was totally unplanned. There were no goals & zero expectations. It wasn't something I had to do. Nothing inside was screaming to get out, like many writers claim (or like the movie "Alien"). It just happened. Four years & two books later, grabbing a reader's imagination - & squeezing it with both hands - is my new brass ring.... or maybe it's bronze. Actually, it feels pretty good - finally having a goal. Guess that means I'm getting serious. Imagine that.    

If you're a writer - what made you take the plunge? Oh ... and what's the brass ring you're reaching for?







 



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Even though I am not a writer, I believe all creativity is a form of art. At a very young age I picked up a pencil and began sketching. Throughout school, art was my favorite class, but I was told you can't "make a living with art", so my big girl job was that of a programmer working for the railroad. Now being retired, I am free to create all the art that makes my heart sing. I come alive when I am creating!
I enjoy your books, keep writing I think you have found a niche that enriches your soul.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I can see why you were hooked, the sculptures are incredible. Envy that kind of talent.

I'm not much of a screamer either. In fact, I can't scream. I've tried. When scared, I yell. Actually, my sons have reported on more than one occasion that I have a Sargent major's voice.

I started writing diaries then journals. But I first attempted a novel after my dad died. I thought if I wrote his story, he'd live forever.

I'm going to blog on that next time.

Thanks for sharing your loves, Dave. When you're in the mood, I'd love to hear more.

Jennifer R. Hubbard said...

To me writing is similar to breathing: as far as I can remember, I've always done it. I do it without having to force myself. It keeps me alive.

Carol J. Garvin said...

That sculpture is amazing! If I were you I'd probably break down and find the money for it (but I'm not and I can't). It's inspiration personified.

I think once a person discovers the exhilaration of creating sentences and putting them on paper to send into the world, it's hard to stop. You're good at it. You might not consider it a passion, but it's definitely a talent.

There's no brass ring in my sights... only a desire to find better words to express what rattles around inside my brain. The right ones always seem just beyond the tip of my tongue. That was what started me writing... filling journal pages. My words were a way to escape a lot of things, and at some point they began blending with my imagination. I'd like to have my fiction published but I don't seem to be trying very hard. :)

laura best said...

Beautiful sculptures. Gosh, there are such talented people in the world.

From the time I was ingrade shcool I knew that expressing myself with written words gave me a certain satisfaction. I could say things that, in real life, my shy self wouldn't be able to. It amazes me to hear you say that you basically just began writing. We all have such different experiences.

David Ebright said...

I'm with you, Arlene - art comes in many forms & creating something from an idea is pretty cool. (Which gives me an idea for another post - will get back to ya.) Making a living at it - yeah, guess that could be tough depending on lifestyle. My favorite class was English - my worst was Spanish. Boy I wish I remembered more Spanish.

Joylene - There were some pieces that were too big to get a good shot of. I can't figure out how he finds a starting point.

Hi Jenn - It's awesome to have such a passion for something, especially when it starts early in life.

Carol - I'm tempted, but it's Deb's birthday Saturday & we made a visit to a certain jewelry store Monday and ... Would love to see you take the pub plunge - I'd be first in line.

Laura - "It amazes me to hear you say that you basically just began writing." Guess I'm kinda strange, but you probably figured that out already. I did like to create & TELL stories to my kids. There's something to the "shy" writer background ... but I don't fall into that category either. Square peg, etc.

Unknown said...

Like Joylene said, I envy talent like that too. Absolutely incredible. I'm hard pushed to even draw a stick-man ...

The brass ring I'm reaching for is simply achieving my goal of seeing my novel on someone's shelf. Better still, a book store, but nevertheless :)

David Ebright said...

Wendy - Sadly, the bookstore goal is getting tougher to reach. Was in a store Thursday - it was closing yesterday (Saturday). The employees had 5 days notice.

Keep plugging away at it & thanks for visiting.