I write to you today from my bed. I am kept here with a cold and am reminded of a book I have loved since childhood, called A Big Ball of String by Marion Holland. It is a short tale of a boy who, when sick in bed, shows ingenuity and creativity, with the simplest of tools.
The story begins the day before, with him collecting string off a parcel in his parent’s hall. He then declares that a small string ball is of no use to him, but that with a big ball of string, he ‘could do ANYTHING, anything, anthing, ANTHING AT ALL!’ With that, the boy searches and scavenges all day long, adding pieces to form a giant, neatly wound ball of string.
When he wakes with a cold in his head the next day and his mother insists he stay in bed, he begins to explore ways to amuse himself, using the string. Step by step he creates a myriad of chain reactions, much like a Rube Goldberg machine, each designed to deliver a desired outcome - his favourite books to sail to his bed in a box, his toy train to race on its track or the cat to be summoned to play.
This story of imaginative resourcefulness has always prompted joy and wonder in me. As a child it sparked my longing to create purpose and meaning out of simple objects of little consequence - to repurpose the lost and discarded, recognising their beauty and potential. It gave me the sense that anything was possible.
I am very grateful for this belief, as without it, I probably wouldn’t be an artist. To sustain creative work, it’s necessary to feel hope, to imagine things not yet real, and to harness courage to bring them to fruition. It’s necessary to trust in part to dreams and fancy, to give yourself permission to play and explore without judgement.
Perhaps you also want to embrace your creative, childlike wonder. Perhaps like me, you can recall childhood stories that sparked your imagination and curiosity. If yes, I’d love to hear that you have taken up the call, to collect your ball of string and begin.
If painting is your thing, you could join me in October, in the Capertee Valley for a unique painting retreat. I’m excited to share my skills and experience of painting en plein air - finely tuned after working outdoors recently in the Northern Territory. In addition, I will model the practices I use daily to set myself up for success creatively - contemplative walking, journaling, mindful movement and grounding practices.
Accommodation options include camping or the Royal Hotel Capertee, which boasts delicious meals and fires in every hearth! The early bird rate is still available until 1 July, as is payment by instalments. If you would like to know more, then please get in touch by phone, 0432 922 653.
Today, my ball of string has been the keyboard. With it, I have created a little chain of magical connections and reactions that have brought me joy and amusement. I hope you have enjoyed this story and that the next time you come across a piece of string, you will ponder your combined potential to create something wonderful.
Following a wonderful painting retreat in the Capertee Valley, I head to Melbourne for Evoking the Elements, a collaboration with concert pianist Elyane Laussade.