What makes craft work? Is it the materials, designs, manner of work, the intent of the crafts person, or the community that surrounds and supports the work? Over the years, I’ve had many discussions with other artists and craftspeople about this. The above reasons weave together for jewelers, potters, fabric workers, boatbuilders, and carvers. I am sure others, too.
It’s a wonder of the ages to me that the crafter’s workplace can be so untidy, littered, and homely—in short, not very photogenic—yet produce works of beauty.
Lance Lee ( founder of the Apprentice Shop) mentioned the concept of community as the binding force in an interview years ago. I wrestled with this for a long time. Surely, the traditions, materials, tools, and designs mattered more, but eventually, the community concept moved to the front.
Why? Gratitude and sincere appreciation for the work have a lot to do with it. We spend a lot of time selling to people for whom what we produce are simply things. It’s a gift that they might appreciate. It goes with the rest of the decor. Their friends have something like it. It’s an impulse buy. Don’t get me wrong, those purchases keep the business model spinning, and I’m not likely to start looking down my nose at the money they produce.
It’s just that little is as pleasing as selling or giving a carving to someone who will genuinely appreciate it. Watching someone look at the work with a slight smile, handle it, and make a knowledgeable comment is a pleasing experience. It’s a shared space, unlike the one experienced by the casual shopper.
Experts can argue about the worth of praise and compliments, but little beats the simple, sincere “thank you, it’s lovely” for the joy it can produce in an artist or craft person’s heart.
Money keeps our businesses going, but appreciation keeps the creative impulse flowing.
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Appreciation goes a long way. And it’s free.
I think its mandatory for the crafter to have a messy workspace. We woodworkers, use every tool in the box and make sawdust by the ton on every job for example. We haven’t the time to clean everything, there’s something else needing to be made!
The appreciation makes all the hard work worth it, doesnt it.
I love your eagle by the way, he’s magnificent.
Remember: a clean workshop, like a clean desk, is the sign of a sick mind! And you are correct: there is always something else that needs to be done.
Haha! I agree completely.
The few times one of my paintings has reached someone, and I’ve been there to see it, are among my most cherished memories.
Money is nice, but really connecting is most satisfying.
Sometimes you get both. 😀
It’s a good feeling to be appreciated, and it’s motivating