A decade ago, when I was first learning how to make yarn on a drop spindle, I was unfortunate enough to work with a group of, to be frank, the most truly un-creative people I have ever met.
Thank you for sharing your manifesto! Such a great idea. I have found similar negative questioning even just about my writing- especially when much of it is for free. But I know that my own life is so much better when I am thinking about writing, or working on an essay, or reading for research. It just is. As I've said before, I am not a 'maker' in the sense of craftiness as you are, but I am always interested in what makes people tick and the things others do as hobbies.
Yes, it’s so interesting to learn about what other people do in their spare time! I think sometimes people react negatively to hobbies IF they view them as some kind of uncompensated work - the same people who think it’s weird that I spin yarn are also the ones who are always saying “you should sell that!”. As if nothing is worth doing
Good on you, Kelsey! My first husband made fun of me for making different things, called me a jack of all trades. It hurt my feelings (I was in my early 20s), but it didn't stop me. My stepdad once said "you can do anything!" and I appreciated that. I heard a man on a podcast say his father told him "you can do anything you're physically capable of, you have to be patient, and practice, that's all." I took that to heart. I have done many many things in my lifetime, and I'm not finished learning yet at 80. Thank you for the manifesto!
Wow, thank you for the introduction to Dadaism— I had heard the term but I think they have found a new card carrying member!! It has given me lots to think about… the weight of that significance right after WWI… wow. So fitting today. Connects with surrealist theater, and the (profound) idea of “silly” in general.
And yeah… more and more so, leave the people who don’t understand you, and be with the ones who do. It helps me immensely to tap into the network of people VERY connected to craft, people doing craft way more intensely than me, just to balance out feelings of being “too much”. :)
Oh, I’m glad you enjoyed the Dada bit!! I’ve been really into that movement for a while, and have been trying to talk about it a little more because I do feel it’s particularly resonant right now. So true that spending time with others who are also super into making/creativity/art/craft normalizes it in a way that is both comforting and inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your manifesto! Such a great idea. I have found similar negative questioning even just about my writing- especially when much of it is for free. But I know that my own life is so much better when I am thinking about writing, or working on an essay, or reading for research. It just is. As I've said before, I am not a 'maker' in the sense of craftiness as you are, but I am always interested in what makes people tick and the things others do as hobbies.
Yes, it’s so interesting to learn about what other people do in their spare time! I think sometimes people react negatively to hobbies IF they view them as some kind of uncompensated work - the same people who think it’s weird that I spin yarn are also the ones who are always saying “you should sell that!”. As if nothing is worth doing
unless you make money from it.
Love this. Bought the file and now I'm going to make my very first little book! Thank you!
Thank you Tonyia! I hope it turns out well!
Good on you, Kelsey! My first husband made fun of me for making different things, called me a jack of all trades. It hurt my feelings (I was in my early 20s), but it didn't stop me. My stepdad once said "you can do anything!" and I appreciated that. I heard a man on a podcast say his father told him "you can do anything you're physically capable of, you have to be patient, and practice, that's all." I took that to heart. I have done many many things in my lifetime, and I'm not finished learning yet at 80. Thank you for the manifesto!
Wow, the quote from that podcast is really beautiful! And so true - almost anything is possible if you try and keep trying.
Wow, thank you for the introduction to Dadaism— I had heard the term but I think they have found a new card carrying member!! It has given me lots to think about… the weight of that significance right after WWI… wow. So fitting today. Connects with surrealist theater, and the (profound) idea of “silly” in general.
And yeah… more and more so, leave the people who don’t understand you, and be with the ones who do. It helps me immensely to tap into the network of people VERY connected to craft, people doing craft way more intensely than me, just to balance out feelings of being “too much”. :)
Oh, I’m glad you enjoyed the Dada bit!! I’ve been really into that movement for a while, and have been trying to talk about it a little more because I do feel it’s particularly resonant right now. So true that spending time with others who are also super into making/creativity/art/craft normalizes it in a way that is both comforting and inspiring.
I endorse this manifesto, Kelsey -- thank you for putting it into words!
Thank you Elizabeth!