Kintsugi Washington DC

24K gold leaf and contemporary Kintsugi methods. Sold as a set. Not food safe.

First Thoughts: Last January, I went in looking at Goodwill for a ceramic teapot or plate etc. that would make for a good start to the contemporary Japanese Kintsugi collection I was planning to make for the Moscow, Idaho April ArtWalk hosted at local florist and friend Garden & Villa. I did not find what I was looking for but something caught my eye and I debated the cost and uncertainty that I’d follow through with what was in my hand against my inclination to not wasting a trip by leaving with nothing and the mixed emotions of sadness, frustration and ultimately hope that was bubbling up inside me as I looked at it. That night I hit the shinny white with gold trim salt and pepper shakers with this hammer and started trying to figure out how they would go back together. I was too focused on the process to think of taking a photo. 

Second Thoughts:I remember saying the “Pledge of Allegiance” in first grade. I don’t think I contemplated it too much. I certainly didn’t know it had gone through several changes till it reached the form I was familiar with. I had no notion that “…indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” would prove to be such a massive challenge and I was more familiar with which classmates had pets than who was President at that time. I was very aware though that according to me, and perhaps no one else, that we should have more advanced art supplies. I couldn’t spell to save my life and still can’t but at 6 yo, I was judging my teachers on the frequency of construction paper projects. I do hope I never shared my judgy thoughts with my teachers but no guarantees! I grew up in a very small town in north Idaho and I’d have been well to suspend that judgment knowing now that my teachers were doing the best they could in a nation where school budgets are tied to the wealth of a locality and quite likely, they gave of their own pockets to make learning interesting. There are so many things that need healing and fixing in this nation and I think there are also many peoples who have long held the wisdoms that we need to make advancements who are not always heard. Despite all the pitfalls and fractures, bless the teachers who have enough hope in the future to keep going back day after day and giving so much of themselves.

Last Thoughts:  Humanity is one extended family. I’d love it if one day, my nation shows up to the family reunion with like a really heavy and delicious potluck dish with a variety of ingredients and I don’t care if we pull up in a car where the hood and one of the doors don’t match. I’d just like it if we get out smiling and not fighting, are genuinely interested in how everyone else is doing and maybe the kids even bring toys to share.