Dear Kay,
Today let’s listen to stories from two smart women who make me realize how valuable it is when women let the truth fly.
The two audio links below feature two of the more intensely creative people I know: Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin and Karen Templer of Fringe Supply Co. Each has built a company out of a deep need to create. In these pieces, you will hear how their choices came after a long time in other demanding careers. It is a tricky combination, commerce and creativity, and the two forces often duke it out.
Natalie Chanin’s “200 One-of-a-Kind Shirts” from The Moth.
Karen Templer talks with Elizabeth Duvivier of Squam Art Workshops.
It’s a constant push and pull, the decision whether to follow a creative dream. I like how quietly resilient these women are. Persistent, focused, clear eyed, decisive—all these. I like also that they make cool stuff for us to love. They make it look so easy, yet when you hear them talk, and you know there’s so much else going on under the surface, it makes the work they do all the more precious.
Excellent listening while knitting.
Love,
Ann
PS Thanks to Katie for the link to Natalie’s story. And from the archives, here’s the first time I heard Natalie Chanin speak.
Thanks for posting both links in one place that I can remember!
I tried to listen to Karen yesterday but my laptop declined to participate. And I’d love to hear Natalie’s voice! I am always provoked into deep thought after reading about something that’s going on at Alabama Chanin.
Now I’ll know where to find both recordings for future listening – thanks. Hopefully near future.
#neednewlaptop
I’ve had problems for at least 2 years trying to connect to that Sqwam Workshop site. Thought it was just my iPad. Too bad. Really wanted to hear Karen
Hi Leandra–please try the link now. This one takes you to Karen’s site, where her link to the Squam interview seems to work better, for reasons unknown to me. As happens with the Internet! Enjoy.
Thanks for such a quick response! I actually tried to listen on Karen’s link when she first posted. But I did finally get my answer to the issue…it appears to be my ancient iPad.
I tried it and the link came through beautifully on my phone and my pc. Looking forward to listening. Love your blog, by the way.
Leandra
Sorry, Squam
Thanks for these – I’m always looking for stuff to listen to while knitting.
xoxo
Thanks. I really enjoyed the talks, Altho I couldn’t figure out how to hear Natalie’s first one. I’m both very envious of them for a million reasons, but it also helped me realize I really need to figure out the next thing that will expand my world, instead of ignoring the void & ignoring that the void really needs a new thing not things that worked in the past.
I wish I had some of your and Kay’s talents….
Not bragging (totally bragging) but I was in the audience at the Players Club in NYC when Natalie told her Moth story. Those heat-seeking snakes are never far from my mind.
And now I get to listen to Karen! Thanks, co-bloggette!