It is not uncommon for us to get asked, “So, what is a Maker?” It is a question we hear at least twice a month, if not more, in our shop. However I don’t think it is what a maker is that defines our work, rather why we make that explains us. Through working with many Makers over the years we see one common thread. A Maker believes in telling a story through their hands, using the craft techniques they have learned during their lifetime. Their selected craft may be different from one another, but our desire to share our own experiences, emotions or observations of the world is the thread that binds us together as Makers.
Have you ever looked at a piece of Oak Leaf Pottery? I mean really looked at the way the clay has been guided into the subtle curves that create the walls of her mug or bowl. She is using the age old techniques of throwing clay on a wheel, but her pieces speak to her story of natural simplicity. When you pick up a mug or bowl it has a feeling that you can connect too. She can express movement and flow with each piece just by using her hands to mold the clay. Once the glaze is applied a whole new layer of movement is added to her work. She chooses how the glaze will dance around the clay, many times even leaving part of the clay exposed so you can connect directly to the marks left behind by her hands. The final product may be a very functional mug or bowl, but it feels natural in your hand and the experience she has created with the clay is uniquely her own.
Another of our artists, Seven Feathers Tribe, works with many different mediums like leather, felt, and other naturally found objects. No matter what medium she chooses her pieces express her love for a free and natural world, a place where children run barefoot in the grass and crouch down to study the feather that has been left behind by a woodland creature. Her felt masks are a testament to this, while they are merely felt and elastic sewn together, she has put such detail in the patterns of her animals, choosing creatures like the owl, beaver, skunk and deer to illustrate. The stitching she uses to bind her pieces is an integral part of how she shows detail and texture for each animal. When a child puts the mask and tail on, it is easy to transform into these creatures, helping their imagination feel free to play.
When we bring Makers work into the shop we look for these stories, how they have been told and what makes them unique. However, just as important to us is helping others, folks who might not even consider themselves artistic. We want to give them a way to find their story and self-expression through the handcrafted arts as well.
You may not consider yourself a Maker, but I bet on some level you are. We had a lady in the shop just yesterday who said “Oh, I am not really creative it skipped my generation and went to my children.” Later in that same conversation she began telling me about how she loves to cook and create meals for her family and friends. She is a Maker. Her work may only be enjoyed by family and friends, not to last long, but her meals are how she expresses herself and the food pairings she has come to love.
It is human nature to create, mankind has evolved through the creative ingenuity of our kind. Along with providing a sense of self expression, just being creative and taking part in the creative process helps provide a sense of freedom, builds confidence in ourselves, relieves stress (amen!), and helps us to problem solve. The techniques we teach here at the studio have been around for centuries, but it is each individual that really help to bring them to life creating a work that is personal to them. Through printmaking, sewing, weaving, hand building, painting, felting and many other techniques we give you the tools to help you express yourself. Adults and children can come take part in individual Play Dates or group Happy Hour experiences. We even have homeschool opportunities and over the summer your child can become a Kid Maker for the day. Through each of these opportunities we strive to bring the Maker out in you, helping you to enjoy the benefits of creating.
“So, what is a Maker?” We are all Makers and whether you are looking to find your creativity or be inspired by others, you will find it here inside the walls of the Travelers Rest Makers Company.