I’ve had the special opportunity to be in contact with Lynn Woll, founder of Create Whimsy, for an interview.

She allowed me to talk about all the creative media I use. This arrived in the very right moment: her questions helped me to clarify my thoughts of these days. For example, Lynn asked me:

“You are a full-time engineer and have a variety of interests outside of work. How do you keep all the balls in the air?”

When I read this question, I started to laugh and weep at the same time… it looked as if the question hit the nail.

During the current year, indeed, my work-life balance has changed, such that I could not schedule my free time as easily as before.

Changes of life can surprise you with unexpected twists, which may, some days, overcome your coping skills. Complex and super busy periods strongly force your capability to adapt. The interesting thing is that stretching skills acts on the brain in a very powerful way. Fertile land is prepared for future creations, that will become interpretation for the plenty of things that you have learnt, while passing across difficulties.

Just in the days of Lynn’s contact, I was starting a new photography stream, which was acting as a valuable strategy to cope with stress: it made me feel much better. It’s impossible to have a photo UFO, because one photo is taken in one second! I took the habit of setting collected seeds and textile supplies in a way that gave me visual emotions. Then, the photo-finish of the day was made!

I have used different creative media depending on the period of my life and the work-life balance. I decide which medium I want to work on, based on the amount of time that I have: quilting is for long projects, drawing is for average spare time; photography is available even if I have a few-minutes-only break.

In the picture below, a set of natural treasures collected during a walk, part of my creative supplies.

I invite you to read the interview on createwhimsy/spotlight-paola-machetta and to check also other featured makers: I’ve found plenty of inspiration on Create Whimsy. Thanks Lynn!