I never imagined this newsletter to feel as if it’s becoming a crisis management tool, but I have a knack for interesting timing. I apologize to anyone who was expecting 10 easy steps to carve your own spoon. You can find that all over the internet, and I’m happy to recommend great books on the topic, but I’ve always thought of my practice; carving and living with different priorities as a convenient metaphor for self-growth. I try to spend very little time on social media, but I’d have to be living under a rock to not notice how anxious everyone is. We’re like little exposed nerve endings all frayed and burnt. Recognizing that, I’d like to keep steering in the direction that seems relevant. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and my grammatical mistakes with such kind readers.
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.
🙏 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.
Sanctuary
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.
🙏 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.