As part of our course we were asked to watch handmade nation, an unambitious but very charming documentary on the increasingly popular craft trend in america.
It’s very American, almost painfully so, but is filled with interesting interviews with people who make their living in craft – which for me is particularly interesting, as that’s sort of what i want to DO. It was rather comforting to know that there were people out there who did what they wanted and managed to earn a living out of it, however sparse that living is.
The documentary jumps from one person to another, all around the country, and we learn about what they do and their views on the ‘indie craft movement.’ Which at times is rather cringy, as they speak of ‘not being understood’ and being relieved to find likeminded people, because they felt isolated for ‘being crafty in a standardised society.’ (all of which made me scoff slightly). I would argue also that the ‘up and coming craft movement’ is not so new – there has always been craft, and crafty people, it’s just that demand for quirky, ‘individual’ items are on the rise, because of our need to rebel against the mass produced consumerist society in which we live. Its the industrial revolution all over again – globalisation causes people to break away from the mass produced, in search of something beautiful and unique, something that can be found within the modern arts and crafts movement. The craft movement has also gained steam because of the internet. With 25% of the world now online it’s almost easy to get recognised, and to gain a following. This, coupled with websites like etsy make it easy to sell your stuff and earn some money.
This doesn’t mean I’m not impressed with how the crafters in Handmade Nation go about their business – quite the contrary, i have a great respect for anyone who makes a successful living out of their hobby, but it it easier now, than it was 120 years ago.
All in all a good watch!
The craft manifesto.