Problems
Posted by Jona8than | Labels: craftsmanship, descison, print, tailor, woodworking | Posted On Sunday, October 10, 2010 at 2:42 a.m.
Or maybe a conflict of interest perhaps. Or an unwilling or impossibility to dedicate enough time to either.
I like to build things out of wood. Woodworking. Building chests and eventually maybe furniture -desks, tables, etc. [For some reason I have no desire to make chairs, not a bit. ] Maybe if I could- boat building, I would love to build a boat. I've been following another artist's blog and been watching her build one. She even came to Newfoundland. I'd do it differently, but envious that she is doing it none the same. I love the form, the lines, the craftsmanship, the material, all of it.
I also want to learn how to tailor clothes. Not that I don't necessarily want to go to a tailor - I love people who study and are experts in their craft- but the cost can be prohibitive to my low income. It would be somewhere to save a few dollars if I did my own. Also having the exact control over how what I wear fits. My Mom can hem up my pants if I ask, but when it comes to sleeve length, sleeve widths, bring in the sides, it is a different story. I've learnt how to hem up my pants from her but how do I learn the other stuff besides the youtube videos...apprentice, take lessons? I don' need to know how to construct a full suit for myself [as cool as that would be] but to be able to fine tune a suit I find or buy would be swell.
But of course this all goes back in to the fact that I am working as or trying to be professional artist. I am a drawer and printmaker as well as a beginning sculptor. trying to execute great art is a priority. And while both of the above skill sets could factor into my art easily, there is no reason they will.
I have already been doing some woodworking and devoting my time to it. I focus on it, with no intention of it being art as of yet. And to be honest, I do think it interferes in to my art. I don't think about my art as much.
I am conflicted between two trains of thought. One is - to be a mater you can be nothing else, only what you focus on. You can't be a painter/carpenter/dj/writer/etc. and good at it all really.
The other train is from a Myaoto Mushashi Book of Five Rings where he talks about being a master of one thing can allow you to become a master of whatever you focus on.
Can or will I take enough time to really focus on the woodworking and craft great pieces? Make that dory. And if so will I still find time to learn how to make the perfect swing stitch when adjusting my cuffs or making a dart for my shirts? Along with making some beautiful drawings and drypoints?
I know I have the rest of my life ahead of me to learn. But so conflicted, I want to know all. Be more independent. I'm not oen for doing some half assed, there is enough of that already in the world.
Very interesting dilemma. Jack of all trades, master of none? I feel that way, a lot. I dabble in so many places that to be great at one thing seems so far out of reach.
I really do believe that you can be master of more than one thing. To be honest? What you have there doesn't seem so far fetched. Couldn't you take maybe one sewing class and learn enough to be satisfied with your sewing skill, all the while working hard on your artwork? I'm at a loss with the woodworking, though, because you mentioned how it eats your time.
I think... you should be happy. Whatever makes you HAPPIEST, go for that. Don't lead a sub-par life in the happiness department. Life's too short for that bullshit.
Thanks Jill. I am happy yet just wishing there was two of me at times. But yeah, I think I will take a sewing class when I'm able to next, just to help with the little things I want to do.
Thanks for the bit o' plug. I'd do it differently, too, quite honestly, if I had the cash and more so the time...but its always good learning, and I am all for that. Take good images, and get good at writing. Artist don't write enough. It helps when you can talk about your work well in proposals. Good luck with the Grant(s). Hope to come back to Newfoundland again...I loved it there!