Hello friends! It’s time for this month’s Muse Monday. This time, I interviewed Danielle Cornell of @incalico. Danielle is a wonderful poet, singer/songwriter, photographer, and just all around creative soul whose works perfectly embody #enchantedsimplicity. You can learn more about Danielle and link to her various accounts at the end of this newsletter. *all photos and poem are copyright Danielle Cornell and may not be used without permission.
When did you first know you were a poet?
I believe it started in high school. I remember having to do a project where I needed to write a poem, and I felt almost as though I was meant for that project. I wasn’t the best student, but when something sparked my interest or soul, I put everything into it. I would also write songs from a young age which I also consider to be poems.
You are a creative soul with lots of mediums you work with. Your music and poetry both speak to me deeply and I see you create beautiful art too. Would you say you consider yourself as one type of artist the most?
I am truly honored my music and poetry can speak to you. Thank you so much for your kind heart. I actually float back and forth with this question, myself! Whenever I think I do, I change my mind. Even now, I am trying to peg myself down, and I can’t seem to do it. It’s definitely mostly a draw between songwriter, poet, and photographer, but I love any medium of creativity, and I am constantly practicing the art of creating for the sake of creating without needing to achieve any peak or end point with it. I am trying to simply allow myself to just be and do what my spirit is called to.
Are you working on anything at the moment, and if so, can you describe something about it?
I am currently working on some small sewing projects. I sewed a dream top out of white antique linens, doilies, and ribbon. My next project is a maxi skirt made out of a thrifted floral sheet. I love sewing, though I rarely follow patterns. I like to create without rigidity, even though sometimes there are definite flaws and cut corners. I suppose that’s just my style. Haha! I’ve also been having fun playing drums when I am not writing music on guitar or piano. It’s nice to just feel the beat of music sometimes without having to feel that I need to think too much about it. I am also still taking photographs, playing music and writing on the side, collecting and pressing flowers. I built a flower press with my brother recently. My dad and I built a flower press some years ago, and it’s packed away at the moment. He passed away last November, and it felt special to make another one with my brother using dad’s tools. I guess I am in a season of life where I go where there is ease for my weary soul. I was recording my album just before my dad passed away. I took a long hiatus after his unexpected passing. I know in my heart I will complete it when I am ready, and I will certainly write more poetry and publish more books. I just know that I need patience; everything in its time.
Where do you find inspiration for the work you do?
A lot of it is a healing balm for my own heart. It’s always been a way to soothe and express myself, while also hoping that I might connect to others that resonate like a gentle hand in the darkness. So many complexities of humanity inspire me. Suffering, trauma, loss, the seasons, the beauty of the natural world, my loved ones. My husband is always a beacon for me when I create. He does it so effortlessly and naturally, like water pouring out of a fountain. It helps inspire me to let my own current flow.
What is your creative process like?
It feels like a river that I can tap into when I need it. I can plunge my hands into it, draw circles in the water, pull out what I need to give back. It’s natural and careful. It is a safe space where anything can arise and be channeled and woven. I often feel like I am in another world when I am creating. Time can stand still or it can feel like there just isn’t enough time all at once. It is a release and a tangible result of the heart.
Would you share one of your poems, or songs, or a snippet of one of them?
I would love to. This is a poem I wrote this year called “This is who I am.” It isn’t currently included in a book, but it will definitely be in my next one.
I'm unlearning all that I've known How to go back to her And nurture the wound Open the window of light upon a fearful heart Show her the warmth, and let her know It's okay to let go, to soften, to feel safe To say with ease-- with strength: This is who I am Light gleaming, soft shadows This is who I am Eyes dreaming, tears flowing Rivers boundles Slow breathing, steadily leading Wild, needing, grieving Thoughtfully full of weaving Strong as stone, a soft home Healing This is who I am Like a bird in the springtime A full sun rising and setting Sometimes thunder, rain and darkness Burning, trying, shedding: All the voices that aren't mine All the harsh and loud The sinner, the judgment The "This is who you should be." Throwing it in a hole and burying it With the soft dirt Allowing it to rest, allowing it to germinate For however long it takes To transform, to grow, to become A new flower, a waking spring This is who I am A thousand versions, an ancient song A new cloud, the song of now A song of wings An oak or a willow Resilient and gently leaning Inherently worthy human being This is who I am. (poem copyright Danielle Cornell and used with her permission)
How would you most like to be supported in your creative journey? How can my readers support you?
I am not always the best at asking for support, and I definitely want to be bolder in this area, because I want to see all artists and creatives who bare their souls be seen. The best way to support in this day and age is to share. Share my creations and others’ creations. Use my songs and other singer-songwriters’ music in reels. I see so many famous singers in reels, and there are so many beautiful and deserving creators that I would love to see and hear take up some of that space too. Some whose masterpieces will barely see the light of day when all it takes is a kind ear to listen, a moment of someone’s day, care and the right eyes to see for moment something they didn’t know they needed to see, feel, hear, witness. Buy the independent book, music, art piece, and if you can’t buy it, then lift it up, share, spread the love.
Thank you, Danielle for being my featured muse this Monday. Danielle’s books, music, YouTube channel and more can be found here. You can follow her on Facebook or on Instagram @incalico.
Until next time,
Caitlin (The Selkie Witch)
So so lovely to read more about Danielle’s creative process 💖✨! The poem is gorgeous, the last lines really hit home 🏡 and made me smile 😊
Hello! I love to dress up in 19th Century inspired dresses. I made it a tradition to dress up fancy each year for my birthday, in fact I should do it more than once a year because it makes me feel so feminine and flowing and pretty. I wish we had more parks away from residential neighborhoods where concrete and cars and pickup trucks kinda put a damper on the whole 19th Century natural landscape atmosphere. Same with the beach. I love the beach but when it's too crowded I can't hear the sound of the waves.
I learned how to sew during the pandemic lockdown time, really wanted to make some long vintage style skirts but the floral fabrics at the fabric stores are not wide enough so you'd need like 8 yards of fabric. A floral patterned sheet is the perfect solution, a queen or king size is going to be both long and wide enough.
Thanks for this article. It made me want to make something with my hands again. Perfectionist mindset stops me from doing anything. I should start creative projects just for me and if it comes out botched and ugly no one will know.