Craft in America - An Overly In-Depth Review

I've now watched all five episodes (the sixth episode premieres May 24) of Craft in America, and can weigh in with a more complete analysis. The easiest way to do this is to break it down by episode.

Episode I. Memory

This episode centers on the traditions of crafting, and the way those traditions are handed down and carried on. This focus is rather broad, and a bit stretched in some cases, but the general concept is evident. Because of the focus on tradition, it is also very much about family and heritage.

The featured artists include Gary Knox Bennett, a furniture maker; Pat Courtney Gold, a basket maker specializing in work inspired by traditional Wasco Indian designs; Mary Jackson, a basket maker specializing in sweetgrass baskets, Tom Joyce, a blacksmith; and Sam Maloof, the late, woodworking legend. Both basket makers were compelling as they discussed the relationship between their culture and their craft, but watching Mary Jackson work with her daughter and granddaughter, and hearing the insight into the tradition from her little granddaughter was a highlight. While I enjoyed seeing and hearing Sam Maloof, my favorite part of this episode was Tom Joyce. The man had me ready to scrounge up some iron and build a fire in the back yard.

The only disappointing part of this episode was the arrogance of Gary Knox Bennett, but even that wasn't all that bad, and provided a contrast to the understated nature of the other artists. He didn't even muster enough over-confidence to make me dislike him. His work is bold, and I appreciate that he has a personality to match it.

Episode II. Landscape

Episode two is all about the impact of place, time, and culture on art and artisans. The featured artists include Jan Yager, a Philadelphia based artist and mixed media jeweler; Kit Carson, an Arizona based artist and jeweler; David Gurney, a painter and potter; George Nakashima, another late, woodworking (furniture making) legend; Mira Nakashima-Yarnall, a furniture maker following her father's lead; Richard Notkin, a ceramic artist with a political bent; and the artisans who contributed to the Timberline Lodge, including those working on its restoration.

Jan Yager's mission to create only from inspiration in her immediate vicinity is fascinating. Using "city flotsam," she creates compelling and thought provoking pieces as well as those inspired by the weeds growing nearby. I was also intrigued by the soft spoken potter, David Gurney, and his bold work. All of these artists seemed not only highly influenced by their surroundings, but to be of the speak softly, create loudly persuasion. I like that; I like them. Plus, Kit Carson wears a neckerchief throughout his interview, so bonus points for adorableness.

Craft in America

I've only just started watching the series, but Craft in America is a fascinating account of the handmade community by the artisans who comprise it. For me, the allure of handmade objects is the visceral dichotomy they present; makers/artists/craftspeople communicate in a primal, non-verbal language, relaying complexity and insight that is difficult to convey with the limited lexicon of modern languages. Still, it is a very powerful thing indeed, to listen to an artist talking about her work, while watching her create it. Seeing a bit of scrap metal, a weed from a city field, a lump of clay, blades of grass, or any number of raw materials turned into something useful or beautiful, or both, is a visual reminder of the creativity alive in the human mind. And that, I think, is the ultimate appeal of handmade objects.

The artisans featured are all successful, and some of them are incredibly pretentious, but the overall feel is that of the craft community: full of clashing personalities and styles, but also full of creativity, acceptance, and history. I highly recommend you add Craft in America to your Netflix queue, order the DVDs, watch for episodes on your local PBS station, or view them online at PBS.org. If you are drawn to crafters or crafts of any variety, I think you will enjoy this peek into the creative spirit.

Spring Gift Guide - Part Three

Part Three of an Ongoing Series to Help You Find the Perfect Gift.


The Geek- The person you call when you need an answer to a bit of trivia even Wikipedia can not provide. 


I will admit that these offerings tend to fall under the categories of my own particular brand of geekiness. Geeks come in so many flavors, it would be impossible to incorporate them all. The diversity makes me happy, my inability to celebrate it properly is a disappointment. 


Molecular Talisman
To understand my love of the first product, you must first know a bit about me. I have chronic migraines, at my worst, I had symptoms every day for months at a time. I'm also working toward a degree in biology, and my mom is a pharmacist. These seemingly random facts are pertinent, I promise, just stick with me. 


Migraineurs are thought to have screwy dopaminergic metabolisms. So, a couple of years ago, when my migraines were very bad, my mom gave me a Dopamine Molecule Charm Necklace from Made with Molecules. Raven Hanna's rendition of a dopamine molecule has become a bit of a personal talisman for me. It reminds me of all of the things that must go right in our bodies for them to function, and how something tiny can can cause it to all go wrong. Mostly, it reminds me of the beauty present in the natural world, and of the unique ways we all see and celebrate that beauty. Oh, and that at some point, I will have to finish another organic chemistry class. 

Mine! (photo by me)

Sci-Fi 
This one really needs no explanation. It is the Live Long and Prosper Cuff from Madame Poindextra, a shop full of geeky goodness. 

Cats in a Hat

Jasper Gaius

I made this ages ago, but thought I would post a review, of sorts, of the pattern, becasue it is   adorable, and and provides an endless supply of feline humiliation. The pattern is International Cat Hat: France, La Mieux by wildtomato of Spindles and Spices. It was a very simple and straightforward pattern, though I did make at least one, noticeable mistake. In my defense, it was my first attempt at a tam or beret style hat. The second one I made (a black and gold version for my mom's coworker's dog) was a breeze. It was a great way to learn the construction.

I only have pictures of the boys, Scarlett was uncooperative during the photo shoot, and Emilia is yet to don the hat. I think I might need to make her a green one to bring out her eyes. Well, that and the cats seem to have hidden the original version. I think it is buried somewhere with Jasper's Neil DeCat Tyson vest.