Virtually handmade

My article, "Virtually handmade" has been published on Toronto Craft Alert!

I would have enjoyed delving into the marketing of craft as the moral choice by online craft markets but, as usual, my thoughts turned to more practical, financial matters. Maybe next time...

Almost done writing

After a bit of procrastination, I am almost finished my second article for Toronto Craft Alert.

Toronto Craft Alert was kind enough to bestow me with a media pass to the One of a Kind Christmas Show back in December and the result was an article, "A fine balance: Art and profit at the One of a Kind Show."

It was a good experience as it allowed me to discuss the costs and benefits of doing the OOAK - something that I struggled with as a craftsperson. Plus, the return to stuctured creativity with a deadline was an enjoyable kick in the pants.

My current article is again focused on the business of craft but more specifically, the lure of online craft markets like Etsy. It never ceases to amaze me how professional artists are able to balance the creative drive with financial needs; it was a tug of war in which the promise of a steady paycheque ultimately held sway over my working hours.

The first step

It comforts me to know that an artist like Louise Bourgeois took decade long breaks from art only to return with a fresh perspective each time. My hiatus from art has been a mere three years though it feels a lot longer thanks to the persistent nagging guilt that I have had to endure.

In the interim, I have gained the financial security of a 9 to 5 job, done some travelling, and exercised a lot. With good health and healthy hobbies in my life, it would seem that I should feel complete, but I miss being enveloped in a project and feeling the giddiness of executing an idea.

Hopefully, the public aspect of this blog will shame me out of laziness. I invite you to join in on my projects and submit your work, which I will happily post (not as my own).