tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5120593322934217357.post6245407477274040479..comments2023-11-10T00:56:30.857-08:00Comments on Existential Neighborhood: Considering CraftsmanshipJane Dunnewoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16254943030333257172noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5120593322934217357.post-22290152625361469862010-08-14T07:54:05.035-07:002010-08-14T07:54:05.035-07:00As you know, I have some ambivalence about this to...As you know, I have some ambivalence about this too! The lack of quality and focus on quick + easy is part of why I developed the Slow Cloth principles. Why not make things well? I'm always surprised to encounter people who are so disdainful and contemptuous of "doing things the right way" (whether it's writing, making something with fabric, or anything else) and I'm never sure if they're being defensive or honestly believe there's no point in learning how to do things well. <br />Lovely, lovely blog, Jane! And I'm thrilled that the book is doing so well. Congratulations on both counts.<br />Elaine Lipson<br />http://lainie.typepad.comLainiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13809533219602351958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5120593322934217357.post-87610544416389990922010-06-17T17:56:43.770-07:002010-06-17T17:56:43.770-07:00It has taken me some time to respond to this one, ...It has taken me some time to respond to this one, and I may need to write once more to figure out what I'm trying to articulate. There is a place for fast and easy--something my grand-daughters can complete and feel accomplishment. Dipping one's toe in the water, perhaps. But to grow we must pursue and see refinement in our chosen work. And one wouldn't select a particular field based on something fast and easy. One would recognize that refinement, for lack of a better word, the articulation of a thought, an idea, an image. Time and effort are required to create something of value, which may be craft or art, I don't worry the words too much, though I prefer art myself. Developing refinement embodies time, care, skill, knowledge, experience, and one can never become too proficient. There are many paths to be examined and assessed and attempted. One may be the one for you but not for me or the next person. Finding our own path takes refinement so we can recognize our own work in the marketplace or the quilt show or... But another sensation I greatly appreciate is pride. I am learning and growing and trying new techniques (and still not attempting some!), making my art more and more refined and polished and precisely akin to the image in my head--sometimes modifying as I create and surpassing the initial idea. But I think pride in one's work, based in real effort, time, knowledge, experience and growth is a valuable feeling. I realize I have rambled and instead of refining what I've written, I'm going to let it stand for now and not lose the impulse in editing. I'll read it again tomorrow. This is a great conversation--thank you!!!Jackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04730298448632087144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5120593322934217357.post-9635156054551163782010-06-16T09:05:44.511-07:002010-06-16T09:05:44.511-07:00I guess this is one of those questions where you h...I guess this is one of those questions where you have to find the balance that works for you. I am not one of those who fusses over exact points, but I'm OK with someone who does, as long as they are accomplishing everything they need to. Perfectionism can be a way of avoiding taking risks. <br /><br />Fast and easy has a place, especially if you are making "use them up quilts" for your family to snuggle under, or drag on a picnic. I'm OK with this, if it suits your purpose.<br /><br />On the other hand, I really hate going to a show or gallery, and seeing work that is supposed to be artistic that is put together so poorly that you wonder if it will stay together till the end of the show. <br /><br />What I really like to see is a piece of work that shows the imprint of the makers hand and heart, and that serves their individual needs well.Karen Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07589381487144096056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5120593322934217357.post-63945485615136348942010-06-16T07:56:30.426-07:002010-06-16T07:56:30.426-07:00I also found food for thought in Shopcraft As Soul...I also found food for thought in Shopcraft As Soulcraft, particularly his writing on failure as the path to success. The learning process that leads to fluency involves false starts and dead ends. I love that Crawford emphasizes that people who are skilled, fluent craftsmen still have to make mistakes and eliminate them to reach the path to creative solutions.<br /><br />What I find most difficult, in a world You Tube clips and 3 hour classes, is how to convey clearly: You're allowed and expected to make mistakes so you can learn from them so you can develop fluency with materials and techniques so you can make the kind of mistakes that lead to original ideas. <br /><br />But then, as you say, it's an imperfect world, so I'll keep working to craft how I can convey that message. Thanks for the post, and the inspiration.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12190556099420613575noreply@blogger.com