I’ve been slowly picking my way through The Small-Mart Revolution for the last month now, but it feels really relevant to my post yesterday. I really like the premise that small, locally owned companies can combat globalization and make a positive contribution to the local economy.
a certain kind of business
Another long day in the studio, with a lot on my mind. So bear with me…
I’ve been thinking a lot about the kind of business I would like to have, and I’m realizing that in order to get to this, I may have to do some slightly more formal things. Like writing a business plan. So, I’m going to attempt to begin to verbalize some of my goals.
When I daydream about the kind of business I’d like to have, it certainly isn’t a one woman show slugging away in my garage. Several years ago, I read an article about a handbag designer who moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains and set up a small workshop – employing local women in the creation of upscale handbags. This wasn’t labor exploitation, rather she was providing gainful employment and teaching a skill to women who may not have found a good job otherwise. This idea has really stuck with me – a business making positive contributions to a local economy by teaching hand skills and providing good employment. This is the kind of business I want.
I’ve also been thinking a lot about the idea of teaching, and I’ve come to the following conclusion – I don’t have to be in a classroom to teach. My experience having interns (hooray for my awesome interns!) has shown me that I can teach and mentor people in a work environment. I also feel like I can learn a lot from the people I surround myself and my business with. I’d like to keep this spirit of teaching and learning as an important component of my business.
One of my biggest design icons is Tord Boontje. I just love how his clear aesthetic pervades every product he designs. When people ask me what I want to be, I say Tord Boontje. While I have no intention of copying him directly, what I really want is a business where I’m creating both jewelry and home goods that have a strong and cohesive aesthetic.
That’s all for tonight, sorry it’s a little disjunctive. Thanks for listening!
and speaking of San Francisco…
A while back, I alluded to an opportunity that developed at New York Gift. Well, I’m finally ready to spill the beans. I was invited to participate in a jewelry trunk show at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art!
I’m so psyched! I’ve never been to San Francisco before, and I’ve convinced Joe to come with me and spend a couple of days site-seeing. So in April, its off to San Francisco. I have a (long) list of things I can’t wait to see, but in the mean time, if anyone has any suggestions of things for us to do, I’d love to hear them!
rare device
Just a quick post to let everyone know that you can now find my silver on steel rings at Rare Device San Francisco.
(And yes, I’m jumping up and down at the fact that Rare Device is now carrying my work!)
american craft
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.)
production mode
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.
a consuming desire
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.
quick
Just a quick little sketch to share before I run out the door for April‘s opening.
what I’m reading: why we buy
I’ve been attempting to read a lot of books lately, so I thought I’d start a little mini-series sharing my current reads.
I’m almost done Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping by Paco Underhill, and I have to say its been really insightful. Underhill breaks down how store layout, placement of merchandise and signage all affect whether or not someone buys something. I’ve gotten so many little tidbits that could improve my craft show booth. This is definitely a must read for anyone who sells their own work!
welcome!
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.
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