“Fort Night” inspired by: “Making forts, inside and out!” - Memory from the jar, Scandinavian Festival art show, 2014
The story of the “memory jar”
At my last art show, I wanted to reach out and somehow connect with the people viewing my work. With a little courage and apprehension fighting each other in my head, I put a slit in the top of a jar, filled a cup with papers, and made a sign that said “Share a story with me! Write down your favorite childhood memory and put it in the jar. Thank you!” and put it with my work…
The response was incredible.
By the time the four days of the show were over, the jar was packed!! I was blessed beyond blessed, and I couldn’t wait to bring the jar home and open it to read all of the treasures inside. When I did, I was overwhelmed with the power behind this collection of little papers…
There were so many beautiful memories, inspiring stories, and words of encouragement about my art. I learned that the simple act of sharing memories is a powerful way of connecting to one another. I also learned that having courage, being curious, and taking initiative is also amazingly powerful. I now have a huge collection of stories to daydream about, sketch, and hopefully illustrate. That is what I’m going to do – a series of paintings inspired by the fond memories of these willing-to-share strangers. “Fort Night” is the first painting in the “Memory Jar Series”. More to come!! :D
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