Having had an upbringing as a child of Missionaries in the Belgian Congo in the mid 50’s to 1960, being the 5th child of 7 siblings, I spent the early part of my childhood either with my parents and “home bound” siblings, or babysitters, being comprised of local native villagers. Inasmuch as life during those years was still primitive, a childhood of such a setting provided endless subject matter for adventure and exploring the natural environment, where it was hunting which provided meat, and morning merchants at the door selling fruit and vegetables, our daily supplements. Yes, game WAS plentiful, as were dangerous snakes such as mambas and vipers, and even while playing indoor night-time “hide and seek”, a cobra was discovered under a sibling’s bed!
My father, a carpenter/builder, was assigned as mission duties to teach carpentry to the natives, and he had a workshop filled with tools. I LOVED watching him make useful items from raw material – trees brought in from the forest, sawed into lumber – and creating everything from furniture to church pulpits and pews, to a rocking horse for my pleasure! Being raised as this, sowed seeds of creativity in me, but much as I enjoyed working with wood, HARD elements of brick and stone intrigued me more. Because their origins provided items TYPICALLY longer lasting and durable, ergo I chose a craftsman’s trade of masonry in which I also integrated my imagination by creating patterns, designs, and even pictures by crafting visual scenarios within the very items I was creating – which clients appreciated.
Now retired, (and having tools at my disposal), my hands enjoy being able to create things pleasing to the eyes. When I watch others seeing my creations and handling them, I can see an instant change in their countenance as the thing which they hold takes their imagination to distant places, experiences, or hopes. And THAT is a valuable commodity almost impossible to put a price on!
For THIS purpose I choose to create. That others may engage in such opportunity to WITHDRAW for a time, and REJUVENATE those inspiring respites.
