Small chairs–as individual as the children who used them!
One of the most frequent questions I hear from writers or illustrators is, “Where do you(we) get ideas?”
A lot of the folks I know smile when they hear that and then reply, “Ideas can come from anywhere.”
I used to wonder what they meant by that. Because the thought of ideas for creative projects in drawing or writing being all around and within my grasp was just too hard to believe. Surely it couldn’t be that easy. And most of the time, it’s NOT. Because the idea itself is not the only thing. The WORK to bring forth that idea is the hardest part.
That means, BIC–Behind(mine) In the Chair(working).
One of my Creative Diversions is going to flea markets and auctions, and I was delighted to discover these small children’s chairs. I know some of their history; most of them are solid oak and just the right size for a small child. I sat in one similar to these when I was younger, so these chairs hold a special place in my heart.
The chairs came home with me from the auction.
All 48 of them.
Now, I don’t know what in the world I’m going to do with 48 tiny chairs. Really? But when my Creative Mind begins to consider the 48 children–or more–who might have been sitting in these little chairs all through the years since they were made, and I consider that each child had a story to share…..well, then. There we go. I have parts to a story that’s just begging to be told.
Now I’m OFF to put my seat in a seat and begin the work–of writing today.
I’ve got at least 48 possibilities.
Happy Creating to you, too!
Paula B. Puckett 