(Candace #13) — Kudos to Redding friend Wil Curtis, who pursues a passion for clothing design when he’s not at his day job.
Wil hosted a fashion show Friday night at the Vintage in downtown Redding, showcasing a number of beautiful pieces he’s worked on for months. All thumbs when it comes to sewing, I’m in complete awe of people who make their own clothes. Wil designed and made a dozen or so outfits — dresses, skirts, tops, bathing suits — and worked with models and the restaurant to put together Friday’s event.
Talking to Wil in the days leading up to the show, I was struck by how much artistic passion can drive people. Many artists must swim upstream, at least initially, to make their art happen amidst the demands of a busy life. It takes tremendous motivation, energy, faith and hope to do that, especially when you have no idea if your efforts will achieve anything lasting.
Oh, wait. Except that artists — and this word encompasses anyone exercising creativity in a focused, impassioned way — don’t think in terms of reward and payoff in the same way corporate culture does. Sure, it’d be terrific if Wil’s clothing line were discovered by a big vendor who launched his designs internationally. Or if a record label decided to sign Jim’s band. Or if a big art gallery invited a local painter to feature his or her work. Or if a publisher picked up my sister’s first novel. I don’t think you’d hear any complaints from the artists.
But the amazing thing about our creative, artistic selves is that they push on regardless. They nudge (or shove) us, demanding time and the best we can offer. The rewards are as much intrinsic as external, for saying yes to a creative gift or project changes us, one way or another.
I was inspired by how Wil has recognized and embraced his gift — one he was drawn to as a child — and carved out the time (often sacrificing sleep) to make it real. And then to share his creations — with all the vulnerability that going public with your art entails — so that others could participate a little bit in his creative process.
Wil is a very talented guy, and the true definition of an artist.
Wil is amazing. All artistic fields are tough and competitive, but fashion design has to be the toughest of all.
I tip my hat to Wil’s intrepid artistic spirit, he’s a wonder and he has my undying respect. Keep on keepin’ on, Wil!
Thanks all you guys for your kind words and praise, undeserved as they may be.
I wish it were all as altruistic for me as Candace makes it out to be but the truth of it for me is that what was once an interest or hobby for me has developed into what could only be described as compulsion. Making clothes is all I think about, it’s all I want to do. And maybe that’s what it’s like to be an artist. I hope so. And if I can inspire someone to become as sick with something like this as I’ve become then that’s awesome. I’ve asked my family and friends to stage some sort of intervention (put down the scissors) but they just laugh.
What I did want to say though is at the core of it all what I really am trying to do is create more of an idea than an actual product. get out of the mall, get out of your cars and get back to basics.. i want to create something small and local and personal and sincere, and truthful. And I think that’s infectious. I have had and I am so thankful for the amazing amount of support I’ve gotten from so many incredible people, without whom this would be a very private venture between me myself and I. And when I ask people why they volunteer, they just say that something about it seems special and new and they want to be a part of that. And that may be what I’m most proud of.
My models are gorgeous and amazing and they bring my what would be dull clothes to life and they put up with a lot from me.
So what I’m trying to say with way too many words is thanks to everyone whose been part of this adventure with me because you’re what makes anything I’ve done worthwhile.
I said way too much. Sorry
Wil,
I’m so glad you shared your eloquent perspective. I really like what you said about wanting to create an idea more than a product — a back-to-the-basics, truthful, sincere and personal (to quote you on all those terms) way of approaching life. You’re so right that it is infectious.
Jim might want to weigh in on this, because I think he’s experienced something similar in starting a band. There’s something bigger at work than just making music (or clothing). It’s about offering people beauty and even “healing,” for lack of a better word. I think those of you who have allowed yourselves to be conduits in this way are humbled by the process.
And let me just put in a plug for your next show, which I think you said will be on Saturday at Shear Heaven, 1852 Buenaventura Blvd., Suite 1 …. Wil, what time will it be?
Wil informs me that his next show will be at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday at Shear Heaven.