Running and Passing.

“I make therefore I am.”

As someone who lives a largely digital lifestyle, I sometimes struggle to find a satisfying connection between my work and the physical world.  At times, I crave the physicality and self-directed attention that is associated with creating tangible objects. The Oct/Nov issue of American Craft Magazine featured an interview with New York University (and London School of Economics) sociologist Richard Sennett, in which he discusses the merits of craft and the stabilizing effect of slowly producing work. Sennett says, “there is a great emotional reward in such physical production. It gives you a sense of place in the world and that it matter that you’re here.”

Yet craft is not simply constructing the forms of yesteryear. While the advances are not always the version 3.0 real-time results we have come to associate with contemporary success, traditional crafts remains relevant by both incorporating current technologies and providing an outlet through which we can critique culture.  A more modern definition of craft can be applied to any field of study benefiting form a  methodical, organized approach or where utilitarian meets decorative.

I find myself being reminded that I may be best suited to use technologies such as the Internet and the networking of society for research, modeling, and distribution, and not as an end unto themselves.  The pace and organizational methods that I bring to my work could certainly improve.  Additionally, I have come to realize that time for reflection can be just as important as the production.

You can find Richard Sennett’s book, The Craftsman, on Amazon or at your local book seller. American Craft Magazine is a production of the American Craft Council and can be found wherever fine magazine are sold.

Side point : This issue of American Craft Magazine (Oct/Nov 09) features a cover story on Artist/Crafter Lauren Kalman. While I was completing my undergraduate degree at Ohio State University, Ms. Kalman served as TA to my Concepts and Issues in Contemporary Art class. Very fine work Lauren.