tory hughes in france, in print, in life: practicing creative action
Susan Lomuto | Jul 29, 2009 | Comments 4
You get to a certain place in your work, where you have been essentially expressing who you are for a really long time and you realize that even if somebody else tried to express you, they will never be able to, because they are not you. When we as artists or creators are willing to be really present in the moment, then there is an integrity, an authenticity. Tory Hughes, Ornament Magazine, Volume 32, No. 4
Best known for her groundbreaking imitative work in polymer clay, Tory Hughes’ real gift is the way she approaches art, life and the journey of blending the two.
Tory Hughes
In the current issue of Ornament magazine, Jill DeDominicis explores The Path From Nothing to Something with Hughes, including what DeDominicis’ describes as Hughes’ philosophy of “creativity as both a highly personalized act and a common drive that unifies humanity across time and place.” Articulate and well-informed, Hughes’ wise-sage wisdom, playful nature and generosity of spirit are evident throughout the four page spread.
Ornament Magazine
In September Hughes heads to France to lead a small group of artists in Perception and Play, a creativity retreat for artists working in any medium. With a genuine curiousity about the world that spills over into her art and her thoughtful words, she is the consummate workshop leader. This time she puts away her polymer clay tools and techniques and instead, engages participants in an exploration of how to “connect you more deeply to your own creative, innovative abilities, goals and resources” as only she can.
Still need convincing? Four years ago I attended a five day workshop with Hughes and today I still draw on the tangible and intangible gifts I received while studying her art, absorbing her vast knowledge about polymer clay and her deep understanding of the artistic process.
I was told that there are only a few seats left in her upcoming retreat. If you are looking to break down self-imposed barriers, navigate uncharted waters or simply relax into a new understanding of your journey, don’t miss this opportunity to revisit your childlike sense of wonder with Hughes.
For more information about the September retreat, Perception and Play, click here (there it is – the start of practicing creative action – clicking on the link is where it begins!).
Read more about her own journey of play and risk here.
La Cascade, France. Are you ready for the adventure?
Filed Under: Featured • Inspiration • Latest Posts • Polymer Clay • Workshops
I can’t go this year, but the Creativity Retreat in France sounds pretty awesome!
Oh Susan…Thank you for understanding and articulating my work so clearly.
You have brought such gifts to the community of artists and open-eyed humans, and I know I am echoed by many in telling you how much we all appreciate and have benefited from your sophisticated, thoughtful eye!
Intelligence, beauty, and integrity: everything you have offered us reminds us that these things surround us, that all we need to do is notice. What a persistant friend to us you are!
My daughter hopes one day to take a workshop with Tory.
This past Christmas, I was so excited when my daughter showed a interest in creating polymer clay jewelry, she is also learning how to work with metals. I brought her Tory’s DVDs to help guide her and she has learned so much, I watched the first one before i wrapped them up along with her book “Polymer, The Chameleon Clay:ArtRanch Techniques for Recreating the look of Ivory, Jade,Turquoise and other Natural Materials”. I was just so drawn into her teaching techniques on the DVD, the motivation and encouragement to creating that she gives, was so personal. I can only imagine actually being in a workshop would be so gratifying and a great learning experience.
Since then she has been immersed in learning the techniques and it is so rewarding to hear about her newest design and adventure working with the clay.
Ditto on Tory said about this site, Susan, I check daily to see what new find in the world that you have discovered and brought to us to share, thank you to both of you for being such great teachers.
[...] I want to say thanks to the DailyArtMuse.com, one of my favorite art resources, for featuring me on their website. Their tagline is celebrating handcrafted excellence, and if you haven’t visited the site you should really make some time to peruse around. You can read the entire post below, or follow this direct link to the DailyArtMuse.com. [...]