Several months ago, my friend Yvette invited me to an introductory weaving class at Loop of the Loop, a hidden gem on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and “mindful zen weaving dojo”. Oh, yes, she had me at mindful, zen and dojo! I never viewed myself as visual artist and would not have thought to go weave on my own. I was intimidated before entering the studio, which is a strange reflection knowing Saori weaving now.

Saori weaving began with Misao Jo, a weaver who thought the commercialization of woven products led to the absence of the art’s creativity. She taught Saori as a means for the textile art to encourage the expression of self.

All flowers are beautiful, even though each individual flower is different in form and color. – Misao Jo

Over the past several months, I wove three times at Loop of the Loop. I don’t know how artists name their works of art, but here’s mine:

Transmission

Banna Beach

Gratitude

My friend Jonathan recently introduced me to a neighbor as an artist. I felt as far away and as close as ever to that persona. When I reflected on that moment, I came to understand that I separated the act of everyday creativity from art. Whether I was outlining an agenda at work, or mapping a new route to run, or trying a new recipe — I was creating, I am an artist. What are you creating, artist?