Shaping Resistance

I’m finding some sense of control through creativity.

I began learning about ceramics early in February. Once a week I work with a master artist - Vera Maguire - at her home studio on midtown Ventura. The studio is outdoors, in the midst of a beautiful garden with an orange cat, flowers, and bird song. The few hours I spend there each week are a magical interlude, offering a productive, calming, and creative respite from the political chaos that surrounds us.

This experience has reminded me of the importance of creativity as a point of resistance. When I sit down to work with clay - or to interrogate a chapter in my novel or tackle a complex piece of music - I’m trying to regain control of something that often feels just beyond my grasp. (Sanity?) Creativity becomes a way to push back against the chaos, the uncertainty, and the pressures that flood in from the outside world. Whether I’m shaping clay with my hands or untangling the complexities of a character’s journey, I’m reclaiming a sense of agency. In those quiet, focused moments, I remember that making—whether it’s art, words, or music—isn’t just about producing something tangible. It’s about grounding myself, challenging the status quo, and honoring the part of me that refuses to be silenced.

And we can’t be cowed into silence. We all see what’s going on. I’m very sad and disturbed that so many of my fellow citizens seems to be okay with it. But I’m finding comfort, affirmation, and encouragement from the communities I’m involved in, including my community of faith. My friend Joanne and I participated in a protest last weekend. It was wonderful to be reminded that we are not alone.

The irony of last weekend wasn’t lost on me: while the nation celebrated Abraham Lincoln—one of my favorite presidents and a champion of building institutions like the land-grants and USDA—the current President and what I call the DOGE (Department of Greed and Evil) appear intent on tearing them down.

We live in unsettling times, and practicing self-care has never felt more important. For me, creativity is that lifeline. It quiets the catastrophic thoughts, calms the deep anxiety (panic?) that can arise when I consider where we are, and helps me focus on the present moment.

I’ve been “retired” for about five weeks now, and it has been absolutely glorious. There’s been space for more creative work, walks, socializing with friends (near and far), and moments to simply pause and enjoy the (warming!) weather and the beauty of the place I call home. I feel so blessed. In the coming weeks, I’ll be traveling to Oregon a couple of times and hope to share a post from some of the amazing places I plan to explore with my daughter, Natalie, and her wonderful dog, Max.

Until then, wishing you all blessings.