A National Campaign for Craft! (in Scotland)

After some exciting national discussion about the future of craft advocacy over the past few months, I checked my google reader this evening to find a post on extreme craft featuring this video.

There is not a whole lot to say other than:

1. I am jealous

2. US craft organizations take note (especially you Helene Blieberg)

3. They covered all the angles: sex/ desire, sustainability, intrigue, etc.

Quoting directly from Garth Johnson now:

"They do things different in Scotland...at least craftscotland does. Craftscotland is sneaking their message into as many places as possible, including placing Scottish craft onto movie sets, commercials and other unlikely (but highly visible) venues. The organization understands that craft has a brilliant history in Scotland, but it also occupies a significant place in contemporary culture."

About two months ago I had a conversation with Fabio Fernandez, Exhibitions Director at the Society of Arts and Crafts - Boston, where we outlined our dream for craft advocacy. It is was exactly what craftscotland just did.

Bravo!

As always comments welcome,

Happy New year! (two years and counting for Conceptualmetalsmithing.com now!)

-Gabriel

The Gospel According to Craft

I guess I knew at some point it would be inevitable. It being keeping my own work off of my blog. For the most part I have done a good job of using my blog to post criticism, theory, reform advocacy, and generally promote new and inclusive thinking in metalsmithing and craft. Oddly enough my inner metalsmith has the same goals as my inner writer, and my inner craft activist for that matter.

In short, sometimes the work is just the work - if you take my existential meaning. This is one of those occasions, the goal of this blog and this video are in concert. So, without further ado, watch my latest video/performance.

Comments Welcome,

-Gabriel

Also note the timely seasonal soundtrack.