Sculpting Turkeys
One of the activities at our recent “Pilgrim Pajama Party” was sculpting turkeys in air-dry clay. My three youngest grandchildren are always thrilled when Keith lets them use some of his carving tools. It adds an aura of professionalism to their endeavors that is unspoken, yet visible in their focus and dedication.
I stated the goal: To sculpt a TURKEY!
Everyone heard me.
Everyone understood me.
66.6% of them ignored me.
THE CREATIVE BEGGAR AND BORROWER
First there was Lilly shown below. Despite being allotted the same amount of clay as everyone else, every few minutes, Lilly asked for a little more clay. When the reserve supply was finally gone, she started borrowing from other sculptors, promising to give it back later.
She was very proud of her marshmallow snowman. We actually made snowmen out of real marshmallows last winter, so I was completely enamored that she first sculpted marshmallows, then fashioned them into a snowman. Kills me.
ME: But no turkey, Lilly. What happened there?
LILLY: Oops.
THE CREATIVE FANATIC
Then there is Presley. She adores working in clay. Adores it! Adores all art. All art! She was so excited, she just dove in and started carving away at her piece. She blocks out the world when she creates. Endless focus.
She was very proud of her mouse. Thanks to my husband’s puppet, mice and rats punctuate every holiday, even Thanksgiving. He thinks it’s fun.
Yes, mouse.
Maybe a few mice nibbled on stray kernels of corn after the first Thanksgiving?
ME: Turkey?
PRESLEY: It’s a mouse. I wanted to make a mouse.
THE CREATIVE HOBBYIST
Roland also loves clay but as a source of expression, amusement, and comedy. Unlike Presley’s serious passion, Roland is more playful and joyful in his work.
Maybe I should have encouraged participation in 4-H.
ROLAND: Just checking. How many legs does a turkey have?
Oh, my boy! There’s hope yet. My heart overflows as it appears he may actually be making a turkey!
And it is cute as can be!
“In life, one has a choice to take one of two paths: to wait for some special day—or to celebrate each special day.”