XTANT ROOTS 2024 - Mallorca, Spain
I am so excited to announce that I have been invited to
XTANT ROOTS, a heritage craft event centered around natural fibers, textiles, and regenerative practices held in Mallorca, Spain from May 1-13. I’ll be there teaching workshops, leading a talk, and selling what work I can manage to bring with me. For the first 9 days of the trip I’ll be taking part in an educational leadership retreat, where we’ll discuss everything to do with heritage art and craft, preservation, education, sustainability, community, and I’m sure so much more.
The excitement of this opportunity has been occupying most of my brain since November, and now that it’s just over a month away the nerves are starting to take over! I can’t even begin to sort through the plethora of feelings I’m having, from immense gratitude and pure astonishment, to imposter syndrome, to outright panic and trepidation as I contemplate traveling internationally to represent myself, my business, and my craft in such a tremendously wonderful and impactful way, while being away from my family for the longest amount of time I ever have. To put it bluntly, I am as much completely thrilled and excited as I am totally overwhelmed and terrified.As wild as it is, this path feels somehow predestined.
That might sound a bit egocentric, but let me explain.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamt of being an artist and having a job that takes me around the world; since childhood I’ve wanted to be any kind of artist, a photojournalist, a folklorist, an archaeologist, and even a flight attendant. But growing up, I was indirectly (and let’s face it, directly) taught that artists don’t have real careers; artists don’t make money; being an artist isn’t a true accomplishment; etc., as well as “those career paths are too dangerous” or “can’t make a living”. So I’ve stayed close to home and pursued art only from a "commercially viable” perspective. Though I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences and skills I gained in those pursuits, I’ve also felt confused and disheartened much of the time since, often asking myself "am I actually an artist?” and answering myself "I’m not so sure.”
When I started Hearth Craft Brooms, some part of me had decided, without knowing it, that I would take the path of the artist anyway, and I would carve that path myself. And all the other parts of me, without knowing why, listened and trusted that decision. But as it turns out, life is complicated. It’s easy to get so caught up in survival that you lose sight of the beauty unfolding right in front of you. Well now I think I see it, and I’m becoming reacquainted with that part of myself that Decided, the part that Knew All Along.
So to be traveling to Spain to share and teach about the art I make, to become aware that dreams I’ve had since childhood are coming true in ways I could never have expected, is completely unreal.
I have each and every one of you to thank, for affirming that my art is art, for supporting it, for your kindness and patience, and simply for sticking with me as this adventure keeps getting better and better. Thank you, I love you.
