November 22, 2010

Humility

Written by: Eileen Jordan, CITC Math Teacher, Romig Middle School

One fall, the municipality at Russian Jack Chalet was offering a beading class. I had always wanted to learn how to bead. I mean just how difficult could it be? I signed up for the class and was so optimistic about creating some beautiful beading projects. I knew it would be slow, but had no idea just how slow it would be...for me. The instructor was kind and patient, but I had to do the work after she showed me how to get started. I had a flower pattern, perfect needles, perfect thread and perfect lighting.

After 2 hours of working on my first beading project, I think I had beaded one side of a leaf. Beads were rolling all over the place and I seemed to run out of thread right before I was to end the line or corner. My eyes were tired and my shoulders were tense from sitting for so long without moving around.

I went home a bit frustrated to say the least. I was determined to create at least one small (very small) project with the beads. My thoughts went back to some of the most beautiful beaded art work I have ever seen from all over Alaska. I thought about how the women would create this beadwork with items they used from natural resources such as bones, quills, and plants. How did they create such beautiful designs and patterns?

My appreciation and awe of their work changed a lot after that one class.

Now when I wander through our beautiful museum and see the beadwork, I cannot help but appreciate their patience and creativity on a completely different level.