Urban Craft Uprising coming up August 1 and 2
I have needed to take a hiatus on my Japan reminiscing while getting ready for the Urban Craft Uprising Show, which is coming up next weekend, August 1 and 2 at the Seattle Center. This is my first time participating in this iconic show and I am really excited to be a part of it . The Northwest is full of wonderful crafters, but this show also attracts designers from afar as well, so it should be really fun to meet a variety of interesting, talented artists.
To me, crafting is one of those movements that is very personal and individual, but that potentially has large ramifications economically, environmentally and socially. It starts with loving to do something, most usually by hand, that is made for the benefit and pleasure of others. It takes both the maker and the buyer out of the impersonal world we have found ourselves in, at least for awhile. (How DID we find ourselves in phone trees to India to solve the simplest questions or opening up ever cheaper, overly packaged throwaway items from China?) It supports both our community and our collective knowing that we can indeed make lovely and simple things for ourselves. It is environmentally responsible (yay, let’s not ship things half way around the world and back and forth again) and actually creates fulfilling jobs. I really believe that all of these things can start to create change that makes a difference.
I have heard about the potential tough criticism at a craft show whispered between shoppers, “I could make that myself.” But, maybe it is a high honor to hear that. Maybe by example the person who says this will go home and bake their own bread or make their own pillow. Wouldn’t that be great?
Anyhow, thank you for supporting wonderful events like Urban Craft Uprising, and for buying handmade (i.e. socially and environmentally positive) goods. Seattle is a very supportive city to live in from the perspective of making a craft. I’ve had people buying my work that in the same breath say I love your work and I want to support local artists. There is a thoughtful awareness here that is wonderful to be around and very appreciated. I believe that events like this and the support they attract make a difference each time they happen and more than we give them credit for.
Tags: Urban Craft Uprising