5 QUESTIONS WITH NATE
Nate Barker lives in Croghan, NY - more specifically the hamlet of Belfort (City of the Future). A lifelong creator, he has worked in film, video, print, and web-based writing, art, and marketing. His passions are most awakened through study, asking questions, and inspiring others to use their creativity. Short stories are his go to; crafting thoughts and plots that hopefully find good soil in his readers. He helps run both the Croghan Book Club and Scribblers (an open and welcoming writing group) at the Croghan Free Library.
1. What’s the weirdest or most unexpected place an idea for your work has struck you?
I could tell you but then one of us would have to go (or go back) to prison.
2. What’s a non-creative job or task you’ve done that unexpectedly feeds your creative work?
This is a trick question. I was talking with a friend about this and we both agreed that there are some of us who find creativity is embedded into everything we do. We’re called the over-thinkers and day-dreamers. To quote the unsinkable Mary Poppins, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and snap! The jobs a game.” On second thought, screw Mary Poppins, she was a domestic despot who used children and the elderly to perpetuate her Marxist ideologies.
3. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself because of your creative practice?
I must have complete freedom in the creative process and simultaneously be okay with my limitations.
4. What's the most delightfully useless skill you have?
Ok! Picture this! Your arm is folded back with your hand at your shoulder and your elbow pointing straight out. On said elbow you’ve balanced stacks of coins, let’s say $4.32. You take a deep breath and then whip your arm down, catching the coins in your hand. Are you amazed? Maybe you have to see it done…
5. What’s something you swear you remember existing but no one else does?
Rationality.