It's 1984, first semester at RISD, Ed Oates' 3D design class, day one: He assigns the impossible "pizza box" violin. Using only one sheet of cardboard and an X-acto knife, make a violin that can be unfolded flat and refolded (like a pizza box can) into a violin with strings. No glue, no tape--only tabs and slots cut in the cardboard are allowed. Then he sends us off to the supply store to get going.

I had no idea how to do it, but I was the happiest 18 year old in Providence that day. One week later, I submitted my violin.

What did I learn from Ed?

A happy artist is a problem-solver.

Limitation ignites the imagination.

Creativity loves constraints like a dog loves a bone.

.....................................

Wishing you a surge of creative energy as you face the limitations and obstacles in your world today.

.....................................

(the violin was 37 years old when this photo was taken.)