After several days of teasers, I finally received the newest issue of American Craft Magazine in the mail yesterday. I’ve been totally impressed with the re-design, and particularly like this issue’s focus on craft and industry.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the type of business that I want to have, and this issue has really given me some things to think about… (more on that later, I’m sure.)

A big batch of my long leaf chain, in progress.

Its spring break this week, so I didn’t have to teach today. This is great because (a) I have a ton of orders I’m working on and (b) I’m sick. Ok, back to the studio, hopefully my sore throat goes away soon.

I seem to be blogging a lot recently about exhibitions I’ve seen and the work of other artists. Hopefully it makes up for the lack of interesting stuff being made in my studio. (What am I working on, you ask? Mostly order fulfillment. But I digress…)

Last night, I went to the opening for April Wood’s graduate thesis, A Consuming Desire. April was the only graduate student when I started teaching at Towson, and she made my transition so much easier. April’s thesis explores peoples’ relationships to food, eating, and sexuality. Her exhibition was a lovely installation incorporating metal, gut, beeswax, vintage furniture and linens, and food stuff. Congratulations, April!

To view more images of April’s work, visit her flickr site.

Just a quick little sketch to share before I run out the door for April‘s opening.

I just wanted to say hello and welcome to any new readers who arrived either through SNAG or Annie’s excellent discussion. Thanks for stopping by! (And feel free to introduce yourself in the comments section.)

I’m also happy to report that you can now view all my photos from Savannah here.

Annie’s post yesterday, and its subsequent comments, really got me thinking. So I thought I would post my response here.

I consider myself in a unique position. I come from an academic background and came up entering the traditional craft world – I have a BFA and an MFA both in metalsmithing, I participate in SNAG, co-wrote an article for Metalsmith, and I recently participated in the ACC Baltimore show. But I also participate in the indie craft world – I have a blog, an Etsy shop, and last year did 5 indie craft shows.

In thinking about why I seem to straddle the fence, perhaps it’s because neither community seems to fully meet my needs. I like the sense of history and tradition that I get from the “established” craft community, and admittedly, its nice to be in a group where my seven years of higher education mean something. (I’d like to think I didn’t waste my time during those seven years.) But I like the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity in the indie community that comes from both the makers and the consumers. My work is the same no matter which community I am in, and so I guess at some point last year I decided just to keep making my work, and fit it in anywhere, regardless of labels.

My experience at the SNAG conference was very positive, because the overall impression I got was “we are not alone.” I met a number of young makers who are not concerned about where they fit into these boundaries, but instead are forging a path that works best for their work and their desired lifestyle. (Amy Tavern is a great example of this.) But I met many others who are confused – they aren’t sure they fit into the established craft world, but feel they are over-trained and over-priced for the indie craft community. (A stereotype Bruce Metcalf reinforced in his presentation.)

I hope that is next generation of makers aren’t discouraged about what went on at SNAG, but rather feel empowered to take control of the organization and mold it into something that helps define our careers and our identities over the next several decades. SNAG is ripe for a changing of the guard, and we can be that group. And I hope that same group continues to participate in indie venues as we work to educate the consumer (and the outside community) about the high level of craft and innovative work that can be found in the indie community.

I just want to end by quoting one of my students. When I asked her what she thought about the Bruce Metcalf/Andrew Wagner lecture, she said, “I didn’t know there was a difference between traditional craft and alt-craft, I just thought it was all craft.”

Now, if only we all saw it this way.

Today is the first day of green pop! Poppytalk Handmade‘s new monthly market, in which I am participating. There is so much great stuff in the market, including these plates by Beehive Kitchenware.

…stays at SNAG. (Unless you’ve got a room full of people taking pictures.)

I’m about to board a plane home, but SNAG was a blast. I can’t wait to go home and get back into the studio.

Above: Phil and Doug duke it out at the final night party.

I feel like I’m blogging about the conference in reverse order, but I’m just trying to get everything down.

On Wednesday I spoke about blogging and web 2.0 at the Professional Development Seminar. Overall, it was a great event. I think people were really excited about all the information that was presented. Thanks to everyone who came out, and especially those who introduced themselves!

It was great to spend time with fellow presenters Marthe Le Van of Lark Books, Ivan Barnett of Patina Gallery, and Amy Tavern (pictured above). Amy spoke on new trends and indie opportunities, and I though her presentation was a nice compliment to mine. Amy also has a blog, so check that out as well.

While at SNAG, I had the chance to talk to Gabriel Craig, who I met briefly at ACC. Gabriel is a grad student at VCU, and writes an excellent blog called Conceptual Metalsmithing. Gabriel’s blog turns a critical eye at what is going on in our field, and is definitely a must read.

In addition, Gabriel is seeking submissions – so if you’ve got a burning topic to discuss, contact him at gabriel.craig(at)gmail.com.