Wednesday, April 1, 2009

I was here

Do you ever find yourself stopping for just a split second and thinking "What the hell am I doing?" (I'm personally talking creative-wise. Not life or love-wise.) I was browsing through Etsy, looking at handmade dresses when it happened to me. I don't know why I sew. I really can't put my finger on it. I just wake up everyday and feel like I need to make something and right now sewing is my outlet.

I've been thinking a lot lately about why I make things. I feel like there is a strong DIY current that runs under all of the kids my age, which I am very thankful for, but where do you draw the line? For that matter, is there even a line? I'm talking about the difference between craft and crap. I am thankful for every person who makes things but lately I've been questioning the value of making things for a buck versus making things because one must. 

I came to the conclusion that the reason I make things and the reason I support handmakers is all about choice. When I look at something that is beautiful I notice all of the choices that the artist made while creating that piece. Because really that's what art is all about, our choices. A decision to put red next to blue. 

I make things because I have to. I can't be who I am without it. And I hope that someday, someone will look at something I've made and not only recognize my choices but love them as much as I do. So I guess whether it's sewing clothes or making jewelry. Building terrariums or assembling collages. It doesn't really matter. The point is that I am leaving my mark on this world and as small as it might be it's mine. 

All mine.

xo

2 comments:

Kathleen J. said...

I am in the "have to" part of life too. In my 50's now and for as long as I can remember whether selling or not making things is just part of who I am. I don't know how nor do I want to live any other way.

Jeanne Oliver said...

I have really learned that even if I closed my shop and no longer made for retailers....I HAVE to create....everyday!