Creating things with our hands makes us whole.
Approx. 1000 words; 4 minutes read time
Not everyone identifies as an artist, craftsman, or maker. But each of us has at one time made something, and most of us make things regularly. Even if it's just dinner, the act of creation fulfills a fundamental human need.
When we make, we feel accomplished and satisfied. We feel whole.
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I grew up in a family of do-it-yourselfers. My dad is a skilled cabinet maker, carpenter, and fixer, and my mom is a gardener, baker, and resourceful fixer as well. They built our childhood home, for example. And auto repair was another one we did ourselves as much as possible. Sure, making and fixing were cost-effective, and they served a vital function on a limited budget back then. But saving money was secondary to the satisfaction "DIY" brought to our lives. Making was a way of life in my family, and to our good health, it would seem.
Psychologists have identified making as an essential action most if not all humans need to be happy and fulfilled. The connection between mental health and physical health is obvious, and in many ways, inseparable. And making ties mind and body together in ways that other actions do not. Any maker can tell you this already - it's the act of seeing an outcome in your head, then using your hands to realize that dream. Making is absorbing and fulfilling like no other human endeavor.
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I grew up making. Some of my earliest memories involve creating things with my hands. Over the years, I've tried my skills at almost anything you can imagine - from carpentry to mechanics; baking to sculpting; painting to electronics. Both my parents were very supportive, regardless of what I picked up. And they tolerated an incredible amount of mess and noise from me in the process.
As an early teen, I took up wood carving. But I didn't use knives and chisels; instead, I used a Dremel motorized tool. If you are not familiar with it, think of a dentist's drill. A Dremel is roughly the same thing - a high RPM rotary tool - except the much cheaper, hobbyist version. The device made that same whirring noise like a dentist's drill too. Using it any chance I got, I filled my bedroom with wood dust and debris.
My parents rarely complained, and instead, supported me while they dusted. I had a hard time as a kid for many reasons. But regardless of what bothered me, I could always get emersed in making. My parents knew this and knew that creativity was essential for my growth and happiness. That's true love, to be sure.
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The recent uptick in bread making is an excellent example of how even "non-makers" create to cope. I am amazed at all the beautiful pics of homemade bread people are posting online right now. And those who sew have been making masks for family, friends, and even medical workers. Making fills vital needs, of course, as we make things that nourish, protect, and heal. But creating is also a place of solace. Using our hands heals our heads and hearts in ways nothing else can.
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Writing is undoubtedly a way of creating as well - when I write, I make stories. It's an art and a skill all its own and one that I have been honing with regular practice. But it is different from other making in many respects.
The distinction between writing and making is in the "words." In writing, the words quite literally are the story. But in making, it's as if abstract thoughts manifest as a real, physical object, almost like magic - no written instructions, or narrative, needed.
Of course, it's vital to describe what we do and why we do it. So honing both skills is a goal of mine with Science-Fiction-Create. Writing and making become one, and it is here that I am most satisfied with what I create.
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I recently went back and read my first blog post from February 2nd. It feels like an eternity ago, even though it has been less than five months. In the post, I articulated my intentions:
"What will I be writing and creating? Lots of things. As a scientist, I tend to see the world through a technical lens. And I like writing about the science behind everyday experiences. I also love science fiction and appreciate pushing the boundaries. That's the thinking behind Science. Fiction. Create. - a bunch of sciency stuff mixed in with a good dose of "what if?" and let's see what comes out."
I'm pleased to say that my intentions remain largely the same.
Writing has been all-consuming as I've worked hard, turning out multiple posts weekly. I'm also working on various creative writing projects behind the scenes. Time out in my shop has suffered as a result. But I aim to change that.
Yesterday, I set aside some time to ready The Lab for some upcoming projects. It's a small space, a one-car garage that can no longer fit a car because of all my workbenches and tools. I have to be creative about using that limited space to create. For example, I have a "woodworking cabinet" on wheels that I roll out on my drive to do any of the dirty work. And one side is mostly storage, a Tetris-stacked assortment of boxes and things. These are packed away for easy retrieval and practical storage. I've organized it well, but I'm always striving to remove friction points that slow or encumber my work.
With The Lab newly refreshed, I'm inspired to jump in and do some more making. And it's high time I do. My mind and heart could use the connection with my hands again. Hopefully, I'll have more tangible things to share with you soon.
Until next time. Science. Fiction. Create.
JRC