This
is my first journal item for the Balanced-Earth website. Developing
B-E has been linked to my approach to low-impact living, so it will
touch on personal experiences and observations.
On
Monday while making the clay “positives” for three new plaster
moulds, I took a small piece of clay and rolled it between my thumb
and forefinger, and recalled that ten years ago this movement caused
pain. In 2010 I developed rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-immune
disease. My ability to make, dance and take country walks were
stopped as joint pain and tiredness overcame me. I learnt much from
that challenging time, it gave clarity about what was essential for
my own well-being when my capacity for activity was limited.
When
I was able to walk again amongst the trees, on the grass and stand on
a cliff top looking at the sea, the uplift in my spirits of that
first slow walk outside (punctuated with sitting on a fold-up stool),
motivated me and helped with my recovery. It was a similar
experience when I returned to my studio, the familiar scent of my
workspace, handling my tools and touching the materials gave me a
surge of energy. On the easing of symptoms, my rheumatology
consultant asked what I attributed this to. At the time I was
surprised as he had prescribed my medication, eventually I understood
that I was recovering more quickly than expected, I believe being in
nature and making helped to heal me.
Nature
is beautiful and amazing, the balanced ecosystems and biodiversity
that keeps this world functioning is awesome! It cannot be assumed
that these systems will continue in the usual way as humankind
pollutes with no limit. The human immune system is incredible too,
but can stop protecting the body and start to attack it as with
auto-immune diseases. We enter the time of climate emergency when
tipping points are being breached. Those who came before us were not
aware of the consequences of fossil fuel and plastic pollution, and
for those who come after us (or are now young children) it will be
too late so it is for us to shoulder responsibility.
In
developing Balanced-Earth, I’ve wanted it to be about creative
positivity for me while endeavouring to do no harm to the
environment. By using many techniques to use waste materials, I can
change activities if I start to experience pain in any joints, also
the variety keeps my interest. Now ten years later I have the
excitement of launching Balanced-Earth, this new creative venture. I
hope you like what you see!
