Ask a chef, an artist, a body worker, a writer what their best tool is and many will answer their hands. Our flexible fingers, warm palms, and sensitive touch are primary to creating.

Creativity is a direct path to the human striving for making meaning and feeling free. In this time of artificial intelligence, peak capitalism, and disconnection, many of us are returning to the hand made.

When I make a piece of ceramics or loaf of focaccia, my unique fingerprints are recorded in earth and flour. The process of rolling and forming connects me to my own body, the natural resources I’m using, and generations of humans who’ve created pots and food.

In the model of the literary and arts salons, I’m hosting the free*hand*salon to share inspiration, critique, and encouragement for the manual life.

If you, like me, revel in the uniquely messy experience of being human and want to resist the monoculture of digitization, please join the salon experience by subscribing to the always free newsletter.

I’ll write my thoughts and experiences as a creating being and share the works of others that touch and inspire me. The free*hand*salon is intended to be an alternative to social media with no likes, comments, or paywalls, but replies are very welcome.

The future of the salon will be ours together and may include in person events, letter exchanges, or workshops. Sign up to be the first to know.