Working Knowledge #16 Show Origins and Lessons learned

     On March 13, 2020 the first of many dramatic changes to my plans for the year began to unfold. It became quickly evident that the life ( personal and professional) that I had been living was going to change dramatically, as I imagine might be  true for you too.

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     Almost immediately I began to feel the loss of connection that my life is built around. Connection with people and places on the road as I travel. I found myself longing for so much...making eye contact with someone I hadn't seen in a while, those surprisingly intimate conversations that happen at shows, belly laughing with my incredible peers, couch surfing, crying with strangers as we connect, the tidbits ( some of which come at the most poignant moments) gained from listening, the good food, new adventures and even the shows themselves ( the anticipation, having something to work toward and even the set-up itself).

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So many ideas, emotions and heartbreaks swirled through those early weeks (and months).... 

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      Immediately I realized that I had to be far more intentional about my communications, that they couldn't be passive anymore. This revelation got me thinking about intentionality and connection.... and then just how damn lucky I am to know so many amazing people..... brilliant, talented, fear-less, vulnerable, warm, kind, bad-ass, hard working, creative people. And furthermore, I started to realize,  that I was going to need them to survive this.

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     The concept for "Working Knowledge" was starting to form. From the beginning it was always going to be about direct, intentional, honest conversations. I  knew instinctively that I wanted ( and needed) to see the person's face. Non-verbal communication; eye contact, body language, emotional reaction, were all things that had to happen. One Saturday as I was moving out of one studio and into another I stumbled upon a live conversation on IG between two potters ( Amy Sanders and Jen Mecca). I fell right into listening and giggling; just knowing that the conversation was happening in that moment brought me so much joy! I knew then that I wanted to do a live interview show with my peers. 

     Coming up with the title, questions, and logistics was simultaneously exciting and frustrating with my brain on hyperdrive with the potential of it all. I had a lengthy "working" list of potential show titles, mostly bad, maybe a couple with potential. Then the idea of working knowledge came - a concept that, for me, represents knowing, while always being open to learning more.. an evolving knowledge. "Working Knowledge" as a title and concept took hold. 

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     This is my 16th episode, which to be honest, boggles my mind. I am eternally grateful for this experience and all of the amazing people that have given their time and stories to help me manifest this project. I have learned and gained so much; I have cried, and danced, and laughed, and learned. I have been held to account and had conversations that I might never have had under different circumstances. I see trends and commonalities in these creatives, but also vastly divergent experiences. Some of these folks are people that I talk with regularly and others are faces that I haven't seen in years. I look forward each week to the authenticity that each person brings.

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     Thus far "Working Knowledge" has been exactly what I needed it to be. It is a weekly reminder that though things are tough, down right unpalatable at times, I am not alone. I am part of a community of incredibly kind, resilient , vulnerable, charitable, thoughtful makers. I have asked this people ( my friends and acquaintances) to be so open at an already painfully vulnerable time and they all stepped up and shared their stories. 

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     If you are a listener- Thank You! I hope that one of the interviews gave you something that you needed and I hope you will keep listening because there is so much more to come.

Erica