Crafty (Random)
I have always enjoyed arts and crafts. As a kid, I would sit on the floor in front of the TV surrounded by markers, construction paper, and other supplies. I would spend my afternoon watching Art Attack, an arts and crafts show on Disney Channel and painting or doing anything "craftsy." This is one of the passions that led me to architecture. I thought I would enjoy building models more than I actually do. Regardless, this love for handcraft, paper, and stationary has led me into a new hobby.
One day, thinking about how to stand out with our portfolio, a friend said: " What about binding it?" This light up a lightbulb in my head.. What if I can bind it myself. I started doing research and then ordered a starter pack. A week later I had successfully bound my first sketchbook–which I now use at work. And like bookbinding, I have gotten into other crafty hobbies (like knitting and calligraphy) over the years, but my process is always the same. I start with a strange curiosity about how something is made. Then I just jump in and get the necessary tools. Finally, I follow tutorials and do my best to get it right. Even if that means practicing like there is no tomorrow. Even though I have yet to acquire the tricks into making perfect bookbinding, I can say that I have done a decent job with my first trials.
While researching it, I found a whole community of handcrafted bookbinding. Although that is what I was expecting to find, since that is what I was trying to get into, it still shocked me. In today's world, everything is machine made. Everything is perfectly detailed, books are perfect bound, and the maker's hand leaves no trace. Although that is what we are used to, it disconnects us from the actual craft, leaving everything to machines. I find a certain special character of "handmade" objects. There is a uniqueness in being able to see the maker's hand in a product. Ultimately, this idea of handcraft is what lead me to bookbinding.
One day, thinking about how to stand out with our portfolio, a friend said: " What about binding it?" This light up a lightbulb in my head.. What if I can bind it myself. I started doing research and then ordered a starter pack. A week later I had successfully bound my first sketchbook–which I now use at work. And like bookbinding, I have gotten into other crafty hobbies (like knitting and calligraphy) over the years, but my process is always the same. I start with a strange curiosity about how something is made. Then I just jump in and get the necessary tools. Finally, I follow tutorials and do my best to get it right. Even if that means practicing like there is no tomorrow. Even though I have yet to acquire the tricks into making perfect bookbinding, I can say that I have done a decent job with my first trials.
While researching it, I found a whole community of handcrafted bookbinding. Although that is what I was expecting to find, since that is what I was trying to get into, it still shocked me. In today's world, everything is machine made. Everything is perfectly detailed, books are perfect bound, and the maker's hand leaves no trace. Although that is what we are used to, it disconnects us from the actual craft, leaving everything to machines. I find a certain special character of "handmade" objects. There is a uniqueness in being able to see the maker's hand in a product. Ultimately, this idea of handcraft is what lead me to bookbinding.
I love the connection you make to your childhood passion into your current studies. i also like the idea of understanding how things are made and using my hands to create. Handcrafted and artisan products are the best! the imperfections are what make them individual and it gives a better understanding of the organic process in which they are made. Cool topic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to bind your portfolio, can't wait to see how it turns out!! I wonder who gave you that idea?
ReplyDeleteI also really enjoy arts and crafts! I used to be really into origami and being able to create things out of paper. I think it's really cool that you were able to take a small idea/interest and create it into a hobby!
ReplyDeleteI bet it's such a satisfying feeling to create something that intricate by hand. That was a good point about everything being machine-made these days and how that disconnects us from the actual craft, I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteThats awesome that you can do something like that your self. I am decent in working with wood an making something with that material, I am not very crafty with other things, its awesome that you can bind things
ReplyDeleteI enjoy manual work as well, and I also believe that the process of making things becomes more important than owning the things. Sometimes, creating a new way of crafty is even more interesting. Cannot wait to see your project!
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written! I love how much you appreciate the little beauties in life whether its a tree or simple as art.
ReplyDelete