in response...

Annie's post yesterday, and its subsequent comments, really got me thinking. So I thought I would post my response here.

I consider myself in a unique position. I come from an academic background and came up entering the traditional craft world - I have a BFA and an MFA both in metalsmithing, I participate in SNAG, co-wrote an article for Metalsmith, and I recently participated in the ACC Baltimore show. But I also participate in the indie craft world - I have a blog, an Etsy shop, and last year did 5 indie craft shows.

In thinking about why I seem to straddle the fence, perhaps it's because neither community seems to fully meet my needs. I like the sense of history and tradition that I get from the "established" craft community, and admittedly, its nice to be in a group where my seven years of higher education mean something. (I'd like to think I didn't waste my time during those seven years.) But I like the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity in the indie community that comes from both the makers and the consumers. My work is the same no matter which community I am in, and so I guess at some point last year I decided just to keep making my work, and fit it in anywhere, regardless of labels.

My experience at the SNAG conference was very positive, because the overall impression I got was "we are not alone." I met a number of young makers who are not concerned about where they fit into these boundaries, but instead are forging a path that works best for their work and their desired lifestyle. (Amy Tavern is a great example of this.) But I met many others who are confused - they aren't sure they fit into the established craft world, but feel they are over-trained and over-priced for the indie craft community. (A stereotype Bruce Metcalf reinforced in his presentation.)

I hope that is next generation of makers aren't discouraged about what went on at SNAG, but rather feel empowered to take control of the organization and mold it into something that helps define our careers and our identities over the next several decades. SNAG is ripe for a changing of the guard, and we can be that group. And I hope that same group continues to participate in indie venues as we work to educate the consumer (and the outside community) about the high level of craft and innovative work that can be found in the indie community.

I just want to end by quoting one of my students. When I asked her what she thought about the Bruce Metcalf/Andrew Wagner lecture, she said, "I didn't know there was a difference between traditional craft and alt-craft, I just thought it was all craft."

Now, if only we all saw it this way.