Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Pouch

For the class "Seeking Your Authentic Voice" with Leslie Avon Miller, our homework assignment this week was to make a toolbox, collage, first aid kit or whatever we can think of as a place to turn to when we feel down, feel the world doesn't hear or see us, or otherwise get despondent about our art or life. We were to fill this toolbox with words, visual items, or other "tools" that would bring us back to our center, awaken again our hope and dreams, help us to know we are connected and loved. Here is mine.


My drawers and boxes are filled with numinous things, often gifts from friends. I have many pouches, purses and cloth bags. The purse in the first photo was a gift. The strap came off and I've been hoping to find some use for the bag as it is so pretty. Tied with organdy ribbon. Approximately 9 1/2x 7.

Within the larger bag are smaller bags. On the left a silk drawstring purse from a friend. In the middle an antique bag and on the right a pouch which I can wear around my neck made by another friend.

Loose within the large bag are: a Wheel of Fortune/Leap and the Net will appear card sent by a friend, a hand painted kitty card sent via 3 blog friends, a folder of tattoos to embellish my flesh,
a leather letter pouch containing photos of many creative friends. At one time I had these photos in a frame as a collage and kept it over my desk. And a short note from a friend extolling my courage. Also the Shunryu Suzuki quote: "The most important things is to express your true nature in the simplest, most adequate way and to appreciate it in the smallest existence."

In the silk purse are: a small angel pin, an amethyst crystal, a tiny moleskin notebook in which to write quotes and thoughts, a porcelain heart tree made by my favorite Cape Cod potter, Dianne Heart. Except for the crystal, all are gifts from friends.

In the necklace pouch are some gem stones, an arrowhead and two metal thingys that say "Believe" and "I am the face of love." Today I am wearing this pouch.

In the antique floral pouch are a candle embossed w/flowers and the Buddha. A small glass Buddha. A Quan Yin statue and a worry stone with the Buddha in relief. These items can be placed on the beautiful antique cloth that was my Grams for an impromptu shrine.

As soon as Leslie told us our task, I got excited. I love to do things like this and often have many inspiration items around me in my home. However putting them into a container to take out when I feel overwhelmed and unseen/unheard in the larger world is such a great idea. Plus I can take my pouch with me wherever I go. I imagine I will remove and add items as time goes on and as I come upon other numinous things that enrich my heart and soul. THANKS LESLIE for a wonderful homework!

14 comments:

studio lolo said...

I love this idea so much. I'm feeling inspired to make one!
I love the colors of the pouch and the things you chose to put in it.
And I see you got the cat postcard! I have always felt it belonged with you. What a serendipitous things for it to make its way bought by Marianne to send to Robin, who in turn chose to send it to you! I'm glad you like it.

I'm behind in blogging but trying to be creative.
This is truly inspirational!

xo
Lo♥

marianne said...

Wow what a special bag with wonderful items!!!
Like a portable shrine!
Just grab it and you will always have your most important things with you.

And I love to see the cat postcard show up here!

I have always liked it! It has made a few special people happy so far. Wow I like that idea.
happiness is all about passing it on!

Today I made your soup, the Turkish lentil soup but from now on we call it Suki's Soup, that sounds better.
I loved it!
I was surprised Lars came home today with fresh mint.
The soup is yummy!

Have a nice Sunday!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I think this is a great idea. Things will feel even more special to you when you pull them out.

patti said...

A beautiful idea Suki! I love seeing all your special things together in your pouch. Comforting!

Annie said...

Suki, wonderful idea and I love your pouch and all the lovely, comforting things inside it. xoxo

kj said...

this is a glimpse into not just you but the people who love and inspire you. what a neat idea.

Lynn Cohen said...

I like the look and "feel" of that very first pouch with the gold ribbon around it. I knew it was special at first sight. I am glad you are having such a good time with this "class"...and it's homework. enjoy, enjoy, enjoy
and Happy Valentine's Day too. ♥♥♥

marianne said...

bleyel
♥Happy Valentine's Day♥ to you Suki!
love from >M<

Robin said...

Just home from a few days away.....

I LOVED THIS POST! All you have shown is as beautiful as I imagined...

And....to have my card to you, via Marianne and Lo, makes me feel so happy!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Robin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ArtPropelled said...

A portable hope & support kit....What a great idea! Leslie always comes up with such inspiring ideas doesn't she?! I love all the little bags within the bigger one. Now I'm inspired to do something similar.

Katiejane said...

I love your "luggage"! This is a wonderful idea, and one anyone can use. Seems like you have lots of tokens that make you feel good. So theraputic.

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

I like this idea and every 'pouch' is so special, too. I like thinking about you having them with you and helping you bloom...spring is on the way, isn't it?

San said...

That IS a lovely assignment. And you have so many magical, affirmative objects, Suki.