emiko-o reware

Creating a New Craft Culture Fri 4:30 PM
Faythe Levine and A Handmade Nation

Handmade Nation

Faythe Levine

Ever since Faythe Levine‘s movie, A Handmade Nation, came out this spring, I’ve been looking forward to seeing it but 3 times just missed the screenings. The YouTube trailer is embedded below. So I was definitely happy to attend her presentation on the film and finally have a figurehead of DIYers getting some facetime at the conference.

Having both my feet planted firmly in both the museum craft world and indie craft world, I personally am bewildered by the divisions and passive/aggressive hostilities that have bubbled up this weekend. Where has it come from and what is the big deal anyway–are we kindergardeners that can’t play nice with others? Why does Craft have to be just one thing? Talking about it with other attendees, many people are just as bewildered; so it seems like a vocal few are making things unpleasant for our indie sisters. But you know what? Upheaval and passions can be the driving force of change, and well, change is long overdue.

craftifesto

During the Q&A someone asked if the term DIY is just used as a marketing ploy, why not call it craft instead. A response to that was “I see the DIY term as an adjective or verb, not as an identifying label; it’s a lifestyle choice.” Faythe added, “I believe the simple act of making something, anything, with your hands is a quiet political ripple in a world dominated by mass production…and people choosing to make something themselves will turn those small ripples into giant waves.” She summed up by saying, “whether or not you like it [DIY], it’s there.” I’m digging the above Craftifesto that Faythe put up during her presentation (taken from the DIY Trunk Show in Chicago).

One of my favorite comments was by Kathryn Pannepacker (image below), who had set up an interactive textile installation in the lobby. She prefers the term D.I.T.–Do It Together, or D.I.A.–Do It Anyway. YES–D.I.T. all the way!

Arturo Sandoval & Kathyrn Pannepecker

Share with me YOUR THOUGHTS on this topic, I’d love to hear from you!