feeding the hands

[aithne]

I do things sometimes quite deliberately to feed my tactile and kinesthetic sense, to deliberately give my hands a lot of input and an outlet for restlessness.

One of the very best "feed the hands" activities is making little sculptures. I've done it in play-dough for years, but a few years ago discovered Model Magic, which is like play-dough on crack. I have no idea what it is, but it feels like damp foam rubber and it's not only got a wacky texture but it's actually quite easy to do some interesting things with. Plus, you can't use a little and save the rest for later, you have to use the whole package once you open it up, so I have an excuse to go wild with it.

I got out my last pack of black Model Magic the other day, and made dragons. And a lady.

I generally don't keep my critters, because it's really more about the process of feeding the senses than making something I want to keep, but I think I'll keep her. She's nifty in a kind of weirdly featureless and crude way. Oh, yes, and that's a toothpick she's holding. I had some toothpicks around to provide support during drying, and I decided she wanted to hold one of them.

Comments

[3smallishmagi.livejournal.com]

I like her too and I wonder why. Is it her balance and proportions, or her sense of purpose? Maybe its the things she has which simply support her on her way. I suppose it doesn't matter.

[simonelo.livejournal.com]

We actually store our Model Magic in a ziploc bag and are able to use it several times before it dries out. (It's also good for us, because each use it becomes a little stiffer which requires us to exert more to build with it, helping us to strengthen our hands.)