I love the aesthetic of your card system, and I want to run out and buy a chalk board right now :) But knowing myself, it would turn into a static display. I try to do things analogue, like I used to growing up, but I get frustrated by how slow analogue processes work and how much mess they create. I think that my slightly neurodivergent mind likes the cleanliness of digital.
Also, the photograph of the coral fungi is stunning!
Oh thank you, Conny! I like the ease and cleanliness of digital, too. I use a combination of things. It's so good to know what what feeds your practice. I love your work.
Holy moly, Ann — I am now going to be building my own analog lab today. Thank you for the inspiration. And so much of what you've written here is spot on — grateful for you sharing this glimpse into your process!
Isabelle, boxes like this are usually called wooden monthly "mail sorter" or "bill sorter" or "personal secretary." Mine has 32 slots that each hold about 40 cards, so at least 1000 cards would fit, but I keep a lot less than that. They're widely available on eBay, at thrift shops and antique stores for around $20.
Going to save this one to revisit. While I write poetry on paper and get to an almost final stage before transitioning to a computer, all of my organization and initial thoughts are all in Evernote. It’s easy to come back to but very uninspiring. I feel like I need to take the brain dump to Evernote, then revisit the brain dump and take the truth or big questions or exciting inspiration Analog somehow. Thanks for this!! 💫
Yes, I think you’re onto something, Brian. Finding a way to take what matters to you and savor it to see what happens. I think of making a beautiful soup and then just letting it simmer and fill the kitchen with its goodness... it will be cool to see what you make.
Love this 😍 I have various stations idea labs in multiple locations around my home ! Probably overkill. 😂. And I love Berensohn’s advice to his students to “seduce themselves into deeper thinking by making their creative practices more beautiful.” For my practice it is this type of seduction that is truly thrilling in the process of art making .
I had to come see your writing, and then read one of the posts. I was enticed by the photo you showed of the note cards in that box. I want one of those boxes! But... I really enjoyed reading this and hope to read more as soon as I can from your page. My husband laughed when I showed him the photo at the top. He said I would need many boxes!
Ah wonderful, Marsha! A creative mind never gets tired of ideas does it? And you have figured out how to write in your own natural voice, which is so engaging. I would be happy to read the book you are writing (about the creative process) whenever you decide to publish it. I like the way you clearly describe the process of keeping a file of new ideas that you want to flesh-out through the lens of your own experience. That’s what my box is for. I only make cards for the ideas that I’ve fleshed-out and personalized-- the Ideas that feed my particular quirky creativity.
An idea lab: I love that. I moved to Finland in May of this year. Before I arrived, my husband set up our home to be a kind of sanctuary for me with a special space to write poetry, practice calligraphy, and do the things that bring my soul joy. It is not easy to transition to living in a new country, but his love for me and his efforts to support me in everything that I'm passionate about is somehow soothing in the midst of the stress I go through. I think that it's beautiful that you created a space for yourself. It's a way of telling yourself that you are worthy of giving yourself the time to create, and you remind us that we are also worthy of that space. Thank you.
Susannah, my Great-grandmother, Anna, was born in Finland. I imagine your home as a place where the simple gifts of comfort, attention, and care make it very beautiful. Your husband made a nest of belonging for you both. How rare that is! No doubt this reverence pours itself into your art. People think homes have to be expensive or opulent-- I think it's just the opposite. Home is where we are truly seen, and known, and loved. A sanctuary for us to be our most creative selves. Thank you for your warm presence here.💛
Yes, home is a place where we feel valued and seen. My maternal great great grandparents were born in Finland. It feels like, in a way, I'm coming home having this opportunity to live in my ancestral land.
What a golden opportunity to feel closer to your ancestors. I wonder what this might give rise to in your poetry? My mother's entire side came from Scandinavia (Sweden & Finland) and that region lives strongly in my imagination. I sometimes dream about being there, walking in the forests, especially in winter.❄️
Oh that is so beautiful, Ann. The forests here are indeed mesmerizing. All of the pictures I include in my Substack posts are pictures I've taken here. I'll think of you as I capture some winter forest shots. 🙂 I live in Ruokolahti in the South Karelia region of southeast Finland. Knowing that my ancestors made the same journey but in reverse (from Finland to the US) and being able to feel their presence and guidance here definitely has impacted my writing.
The Idea Lab is utterly delightful. I have a little desk corner now where bits of beauty and paper and ideas gather and I used to feel guilty on the writing mornings when I’d just push it all around and reorganize it instead of putting pen to paper. Now I realize that THAT is crucial mind and heart work too!
How I didn’t come upon this magical place earlier than today is unknown but you’ve laid out something I may adopt - my random notebooks and art supplies are not going to work any longer I think..
I’m committed - just forwarded your post to my daughter (former teacher - but now corporate) hoping we can take this forward though children are older now!
I love your idea lab! I enjoy witnessing the results of your experiments with deeper living.
Thank you, Jason. I left out the sounds of thunder and lightening and mad scientist laughter. 😁
Thank you for inviting us to visit your lab, Ann!
(Also: wuff, Killian, good dog.)
Please come visit me anytime!
I really enjoyed this. Walking in the woods is great. Especially this time of year. Thank you!
Oh for sure-- welcome Jeffrey!🌿
Beautiful sanctuary for your ideas, Ann. So thoughtful and intentional. I'm so inspired by it. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, Stella! I enjoy my little lab.
I love the aesthetic of your card system, and I want to run out and buy a chalk board right now :) But knowing myself, it would turn into a static display. I try to do things analogue, like I used to growing up, but I get frustrated by how slow analogue processes work and how much mess they create. I think that my slightly neurodivergent mind likes the cleanliness of digital.
Also, the photograph of the coral fungi is stunning!
Oh thank you, Conny! I like the ease and cleanliness of digital, too. I use a combination of things. It's so good to know what what feeds your practice. I love your work.
Holy moly, Ann — I am now going to be building my own analog lab today. Thank you for the inspiration. And so much of what you've written here is spot on — grateful for you sharing this glimpse into your process!
Thanks Matt! Your creative self definitely needs a lab.
Ooooohhh, I need an idea lab. Very inspirational, as usual :)
Peter, you need a Polyester Idea Lair!
I LOVE this idea!!!!!! I need ot try it out.
Isabelle-- treat yourself!
I love your card holder, what’s it called?
Isabelle, boxes like this are usually called wooden monthly "mail sorter" or "bill sorter" or "personal secretary." Mine has 32 slots that each hold about 40 cards, so at least 1000 cards would fit, but I keep a lot less than that. They're widely available on eBay, at thrift shops and antique stores for around $20.
Going to save this one to revisit. While I write poetry on paper and get to an almost final stage before transitioning to a computer, all of my organization and initial thoughts are all in Evernote. It’s easy to come back to but very uninspiring. I feel like I need to take the brain dump to Evernote, then revisit the brain dump and take the truth or big questions or exciting inspiration Analog somehow. Thanks for this!! 💫
Yes, I think you’re onto something, Brian. Finding a way to take what matters to you and savor it to see what happens. I think of making a beautiful soup and then just letting it simmer and fill the kitchen with its goodness... it will be cool to see what you make.
Love this 😍 I have various stations idea labs in multiple locations around my home ! Probably overkill. 😂. And I love Berensohn’s advice to his students to “seduce themselves into deeper thinking by making their creative practices more beautiful.” For my practice it is this type of seduction that is truly thrilling in the process of art making .
Oh gosh! I feel the energy and love you’re putting into your work. That’s a beautiful investment in yourself.
Thank you🙏 when we lead and allow ourselves to be led by our creative expressions we can only succeed
I loved seeing your idea lab Ann, and that photo of the coral fungi is incredible! ❤️
Thanks, Laura! It’s always a surprise to see the fungi suddenly appear-- sometimes overnight. 🍄
I had to come see your writing, and then read one of the posts. I was enticed by the photo you showed of the note cards in that box. I want one of those boxes! But... I really enjoyed reading this and hope to read more as soon as I can from your page. My husband laughed when I showed him the photo at the top. He said I would need many boxes!
Ah wonderful, Marsha! A creative mind never gets tired of ideas does it? And you have figured out how to write in your own natural voice, which is so engaging. I would be happy to read the book you are writing (about the creative process) whenever you decide to publish it. I like the way you clearly describe the process of keeping a file of new ideas that you want to flesh-out through the lens of your own experience. That’s what my box is for. I only make cards for the ideas that I’ve fleshed-out and personalized-- the Ideas that feed my particular quirky creativity.
An idea lab: I love that. I moved to Finland in May of this year. Before I arrived, my husband set up our home to be a kind of sanctuary for me with a special space to write poetry, practice calligraphy, and do the things that bring my soul joy. It is not easy to transition to living in a new country, but his love for me and his efforts to support me in everything that I'm passionate about is somehow soothing in the midst of the stress I go through. I think that it's beautiful that you created a space for yourself. It's a way of telling yourself that you are worthy of giving yourself the time to create, and you remind us that we are also worthy of that space. Thank you.
Susannah, my Great-grandmother, Anna, was born in Finland. I imagine your home as a place where the simple gifts of comfort, attention, and care make it very beautiful. Your husband made a nest of belonging for you both. How rare that is! No doubt this reverence pours itself into your art. People think homes have to be expensive or opulent-- I think it's just the opposite. Home is where we are truly seen, and known, and loved. A sanctuary for us to be our most creative selves. Thank you for your warm presence here.💛
Yes, home is a place where we feel valued and seen. My maternal great great grandparents were born in Finland. It feels like, in a way, I'm coming home having this opportunity to live in my ancestral land.
What a golden opportunity to feel closer to your ancestors. I wonder what this might give rise to in your poetry? My mother's entire side came from Scandinavia (Sweden & Finland) and that region lives strongly in my imagination. I sometimes dream about being there, walking in the forests, especially in winter.❄️
Oh that is so beautiful, Ann. The forests here are indeed mesmerizing. All of the pictures I include in my Substack posts are pictures I've taken here. I'll think of you as I capture some winter forest shots. 🙂 I live in Ruokolahti in the South Karelia region of southeast Finland. Knowing that my ancestors made the same journey but in reverse (from Finland to the US) and being able to feel their presence and guidance here definitely has impacted my writing.
The Idea Lab is utterly delightful. I have a little desk corner now where bits of beauty and paper and ideas gather and I used to feel guilty on the writing mornings when I’d just push it all around and reorganize it instead of putting pen to paper. Now I realize that THAT is crucial mind and heart work too!
Abbey, that’s awesome! I’m glad you have a thinking space.
How I didn’t come upon this magical place earlier than today is unknown but you’ve laid out something I may adopt - my random notebooks and art supplies are not going to work any longer I think..
Ohhh! I'd love to see what your creative mind does with its own Idea Lab-Thought Garden-Word Playground!!!
I’m committed - just forwarded your post to my daughter (former teacher - but now corporate) hoping we can take this forward though children are older now!
Take it and run with it. Have fun!