Artist learning new arts…

Makerspace Post #1

In real life I’m working towards a major career change from criminal psychologist to librarian. Well, more accurately, criminal psychologist to full-time MAMA then to librarian but that’s another story. This semester in my M.S.LIS (Masters of Library & Information Science) coursework, I’m taking a Makerspace class where we’ll be individually creating a variety of products to learn and practice using creative techniques & technologies. We’re expected to create from design inception through final product without using step-by-step tutorials or pre-existing designs/kits- think 3D printing, laser engraving, Cricut, woodworking, etc.… Aside: Did you know libraries of today often have Makerspaces- areas intended for learning, exploring, creating, and collaborating- FOR FREE?! (Here's an overview of the library maker movement if you’re curious). To be the type of librarian I envision, I want to feel competent helping patrons with Makerspace services through first-hand experience myself and I’ll be sharing the creative processes and final products in this space. The projects are out of my comfort zone, using new-to-me mediums and tech, so I am very much a novice and you’ll be seeing my 1st attempts (please judge gently). Though a life-long artistic person, my comfort mediums are thread on fabric, sometimes paint, and using my hands as primary tools. I anticipate some undoubtedly amateur results as I tackle a new type of creation each week…maybe they’ll elicit a chuckle or maybe (hopefully) something will inspire you to also step out of your comfort zone to learn & create something new. Enjoy!