For the right reasons
Re-sharing "Make for whatever reason inspires you"
Make for whatever reason inspires you
Don't let the elitists get in the way
First published January 20th, 2023
One of the great joys in making is walking into an artisan, hobby, or specialty supply shop and being greeted by a knowledgeable and welcoming face. Such enthusiasts - often experts in their chosen craft - are more than willing to share with you no matter your skill level or reason for being there. There are shops near me where I'm always welcomed in this way. But I also know several examples of the opposite. Helming these latter un-named stores are intentionally inattentive types who seem barely able to lift an eye to acknowledge, let alone a hand to help.
Why do they do that? Is it hate? Contempt? Fear? Or are they truly elitist, believing what they know makes them superior to others?
There's something profound here, something about culture and vocation, the need for community juxtaposed with our tribalistic instincts. It probably says a lot about crafts dominated by men too. But I don't have the knowledge or credentials to speak to these. What I do know is that I like making things, and I like sharing my enthusiasm within communities of other makers. How sad it is there are those who, to feel good about what they do, must exclude, or worse yet, demean others.
A sign of the times?
It's well known that critical elitism garners success for many. Look no further than social media to see that spewing divisiveness from a pulpit gets “likes” - and makes money. It seems that much of the world operates like this now. So sad indeed that our hobbies and passions suffer from it as well.
Me? I'd much rather be with those who share my enthusiasm, happy and thankful to be making what we make for whatever reasons we choose. And if my reasons differ from yours? All the better. Please, share with me. I want to know what inspires you. In sharing, we gain a new appreciation for the craft we so cherish. Together we can build a community around what we love - not entrenched against what we hate.
Until next time.
JRC