Welcome back to our What Creativity Looks Like series. Every week this summer, I’ll be introducing you to some amazingly creative women. My hope is as you read these interviews and virtually meet these ladies, you’ll be inspired to create more in your own life.
Let’s get started!
What’s your name (and business name, if you have one)?
Lisa Check, owner of Flying Goat Farm
Tell us about YOU. How is your creativity expressed?
I create every single day, whether it is cooking a meal, dyeing some wool, spinning some yarn, or conjuring up names for new colorways. I always have a project going. It feeds my soul and makes my heart sing, as sappy as that may sound.
How did you get started in your creative practice? (“Practice” is just a fancy word for all the fun creative things you do. :))
I learned to sew and embroider from my mother. But it was years later when I saw a beautiful ikat handwoven blanket that inspired me to learn so much more about fiber arts. I could have bought that blanket, but something in me said I want to make that. So I learned to weave and then I learned to dye and spin. It was a dozen years ago that I got the urge to grow my own fiber, so we started Flying Goat Farm with Angora Goats and fine wool sheep. So I am involved with my fiber from animal to cloth.
What keeps you going?
The creative process itself is what keeps me going. I look forward to working in my studio. I look forward to seeing what happens when I put two, three, or four colors together. And I love seeing what others make from my yarn and roving.
What is your greatest joy?
I love to see what fiber artists have done with my yarn and roving. It is great to see my colors come to life in their hands.
What’s a “typical” day (or week) like for you? In other words, how do you incorporate creative projects into your life?
At this time, I am working off the farm two days a week. But on the other 5 days, I am in the studio at least 2-3 hours. I put my pots of color on the stove and watch what happens when color, fiber, and heat come together. The rest of the day revolves around writing, taking photographs, feeding and caring for the animals, and feeding my family. I am usually working on a knitted sample as I relax in the evening.
What would you say to someone who wants to be creative but can’t find the time?
Being creative is a practice, it is something that you must make time for. Just like exercise, you need to make a date with yourself so that the time is set aside. Even if the first few times you just sit there. Do it. Sit with yourself. Gather materials that excite you. Put them together, play. You will find that the creative mind will come out if you give it the time and the space to expand.
What do YOU think creativity looks like?
For me, creativity feels like contentment. It is when I can lose myself in my work. I feel centered and calm while I am creating and even after I have created. I don’t think that creativity necessarily means productivity, with lots of things are made. For me, creativity looks like happiness.
“It feeds my soul and makes my heart sing, as sappy as that may sound.” It’s not sappy at all, Lisa. I completely hear you! 🙂
Isn’t it wonderful how Lisa not only raises goats, she uses their fiber to make gorgeous yarn and roving? I love the colors she uses because they’re so vibrant and happy. Be sure to visit her website to see more of her beautiful work.
Have a lovely {and creative} day!
