Wednesday, August 08, 2012

The Process is the Point of Making It

Dahlia by Hajime Komiya

I heard this quote the other day while watching a short film about origami at the Japanese-American Museum in Los Angeles: The process is the point of making it.  I thought it made sense in the world of craft.  I always have to go through a very long process before I can actually make something - I think about it, I daydream about it, I might sketch it out, I might even fiddle around with various materials before I finally come to understand how I want to make it.  Once I have gone through the process, I am sometimes able to make something and sometimes not - but I think I am always better for having gone through the steps - the process.
I think this quote has a larger meaning too.  Going through the process of learning something is important to all of us.  Taking the short cuts - imitating someone else or copying their model - is actually pointless and will not lead to growth.  Learn from your mistakes, grow from your mistakes and do your own thing - you will understand yourself and your project better - and you will develop into an authentic person.
Do I need to make up bumper stickers - or can we all just get it?

11 comments:

Sherry said...

I think we can all get it -- but bumper stickers of this would be awesome!

Lorrie said...

I waffle between product and process. I like to see something at the end of my effort. But I have to remind myself that process is learning.

Marlynne said...

good words for thought! I wrote the quote down1

Vicki K. said...

Hmmm...mostly I am not a repeat-maker. I love the process and want to experience how things go together. Is this the same thing?

On the other hand, there is one item that I knit over and over primarily because the action is soothing. But I also have a useful gift at the end!

Sherri said...

I love this idea...so much food for thought...and the reason so many of us are just drawn to create...it is the process that is so good for our souls!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

You've got a big "Amen" from me on this one! I totally get it and couldn't have said it better myself! Anticipation is half the fun.

Michelle said...

Absolutely! I want to do my own thing. It's why I never take classes, or buy kits.

Jillayne said...

If you make the bumper sticker I'll buy it - I have said this for years!
I love the making of things - I don't do it to have the finished product, I do it to have the joy of making it.

Anonymous said...

It's about time someone said it! Shallow minds copy great ideas, they know not the great gift of individuality.

R.A.S.

Cathy said...

I LOVE this quote! I've never heard it before, but certainly needed to! To me it says that the process and the project are important. I go through that long process too and then wonder if it was all a waste of time. Don't ask me why. This quote is like being validated for what we create. Thank you!

Cathy ♥

molly said...

i must say, i prefer the whole process to the actual end product.