Finding July’s Motivation
Editing sprinkles for randomization with geometry nodes on Blender 3.2
Learning can be tough, exciting, and rewarding. My goal for the month of July was to understand the basics of Blender, a free 3D modeling and animation program. Using math, the wrong version, and changing keymaps made for a confusing journey, and there were many moments where I felt the frustration I wrote about in a previous post. It’s usually worth the time and effort to learn a new skill, but what to do when the task feels impossible?
Recently I been thinking about how humans relate to machines. Many of our favorite machines, like a coffee pot or a car, have one main function and a few peripheral features. A car’s main function gets us from one place to another. A working speedometer is a peripheral feature intended to help us know how fast we’re going (audio features and AC help us feel cool). Our bodies and minds aren’t single-function machines. We contain multitudes. We’re less like a coffee pot and more like a computer.
We don’t have a speedometer to tell how fast we’re going, but we do have emotional and physical responses to stimuli (more about this in the last newseltter).
We’re like a computer on wheels.
Moving tires are in a constant state of opposing motions. Learning a new skill is rarely an easy, breezy experience. There’s exciting highs and frustrating lows that rely on determination and patience. The kinetic energy caused by the tension of opposite movements helps our machine reach our destination. Of course there are factors that we can’t predict, but our wheels are almost guaranteed to keep turning if we don’t press on the brakes.
When researching for this post, I was reminded that tires aren’t just a big old bubble of air. There’s inner parts to assist a tire’s movement. There’s steel walls that provide a foundation. There’s body plies to bond with inner components. There’s side walls to keep everything in place for longevity (see the picture help visualize these parts).
In addition to the constant rotation of upward and downward movement, our motivations are supported by a system similar to the inner parts of a tire. Our sense of self is like the steel wall; it’s hopefully strong so we don’t crumble when faced with challenges and tensions. Our relationships are like the body plies; healthy bonds with other people and support groups keep us together on the journey. Our environment is like the sidewall. Homes, education, privilege, and communities promote stability and longevity. As we make contact with stimuli, our treads get flatter over time. We puff ourselves up with fresh air (self-care, new experiences) and hope we don’t explode.
Our computers have one more additional feature: a percolator. Filtering knowledge by absorbing the information provides strong fuel for skill development. I noticed it’s a much more enjoyable and manageable experience for me to take notes during the demonstration instead of simultaneously following along. I even play the video at a slower speed to allow myself time to process and write down what I’m learning.
There are a plethora of new instructional and informational videos on youtube for skill building, and most have playback speed adjustments and subtitles to aid your percolation. Technology is amazing.
I hope this letter gives you some air in your tires. If you have any questions, comments, or just want to say hey, you can always email me at hello@meganschreiberdesigns.
Be kind to yourself and have a great day/evening wherever you are.
My first (or second?) chocolate frosted donut (Blender 2.92)
Geometry nodes can make things look more natural (see how the sprinkles turned out below).
They work left to right. (Blender 3.2)
My husband thinks these look like peas. Perhaps it’s a prank donut and the chocolate is actually gravy (Blender 3.2).
I’ve still got much to learn (particularly with animation), but it’s been a fun experience overall. Maybe I’ll create a tire, or a computer, or a percolator next :)
All the best,
