faceOdd wearable art masks
Born in the cornfields of Illinois, I spent my childhood planning my escape. Upside down in the Super Loop at the county fair, my friend announced, "I just joined the Army! I leave next week"! and suddenly my escape plan solidified. Being stick thin and completely uncoordinated, this announcement was met with much laughter and disbelief. When I further announced that I was going to be a diesel mechanic, well... let's just say I'm stubborn and I did it anyway. Nobody, including me, believed I'd even make it through basic training. Six years later, when I ended my military career as a Sergeant, I realized that I can do whatever I want, if I set my mind to it and follow through. We all can. We just have to be brave enough - and determined enough - to follow our inner light and tune out the ridicule and disapproval of others.
It's worth it, trust me.
I became an artist in much the same way I became a soldier. It didn't make sense to anyone that I would buy expensive tools and supplies, rent a space, and have no idea how to use any of it. But it felt right, and I dedicated a lot of time and effort to figuring it out. I'm still figuring it out. And I expect to always be, because the ways to create with leather are limitless. Now that I've discovered a series of steps that always yields great results, I'm dedicated to teaching these steps to others.
Life is what we make it. It's not static. It's ever-changing, and to live is to grow. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but at least it's still a ways off. We have time. Time to enjoy today, this moment, this speck of time that will only happen once.
Escape whatever is holding you back.
Tamara Clammer
February 22, 2012
