Amy - this is one of the most beautifully stated essays on craft & healing I have ever read. As a person of Catholic background & faith (Liturgical musician for 40 years) it resonates very deeply. However, it is stated so beautifully (and even poetically) such that a person who comes from a non religious or a differing spiritual background can (I think) feel the truth of these thoughts resonate within their own being. One thing that strikes me in the wake of recent thoughts regarding those pursuing craft for economic gain (trying to make it a living) - is that it can put the beauty of ‘craft as sanctuary’ at risk for them. It can taint (?) the healing soul fulfilling aspect of craft - with feelings of anxiety, worry, pressure, drudgery etc - by turning it into a ‘job’. Maybe feelings of regret or even shame at attempting it and ‘failing’ if they can’t make a go of it as a career choice. It is always a danger to be aware of I think in trying to turn your ‘passion’ or your hobby into a career. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts! I agree with you. Obviously, I'm almost always writing about my own situation and if I re-read something I've written, it's as if I'm trying to get through to myself. lol. I've had differing conversations with some craftspeople and it's not the same for everyone. But, some of us weirdos are poetic idealists who mend their hearts by employing their hands. ;)
🙏 Thank you for this. I very much appreciated your writing for reminding me of what exists in the background behind making spoons, or stools or whatever I’m trying in the early days of quiet, hand tool work. Sanctuary for sure.
Amy - this is one of the most beautifully stated essays on craft & healing I have ever read. As a person of Catholic background & faith (Liturgical musician for 40 years) it resonates very deeply. However, it is stated so beautifully (and even poetically) such that a person who comes from a non religious or a differing spiritual background can (I think) feel the truth of these thoughts resonate within their own being. One thing that strikes me in the wake of recent thoughts regarding those pursuing craft for economic gain (trying to make it a living) - is that it can put the beauty of ‘craft as sanctuary’ at risk for them. It can taint (?) the healing soul fulfilling aspect of craft - with feelings of anxiety, worry, pressure, drudgery etc - by turning it into a ‘job’. Maybe feelings of regret or even shame at attempting it and ‘failing’ if they can’t make a go of it as a career choice. It is always a danger to be aware of I think in trying to turn your ‘passion’ or your hobby into a career. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Thanks for your thoughts! I agree with you. Obviously, I'm almost always writing about my own situation and if I re-read something I've written, it's as if I'm trying to get through to myself. lol. I've had differing conversations with some craftspeople and it's not the same for everyone. But, some of us weirdos are poetic idealists who mend their hearts by employing their hands. ;)
🙏 Thank you for this. I very much appreciated your writing for reminding me of what exists in the background behind making spoons, or stools or whatever I’m trying in the early days of quiet, hand tool work. Sanctuary for sure.
Thanks Kevin. 🙂