Jillian revisits the SNAG conference / Food for thought ! - crafthaus2024-03-29T09:19:04Zhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/forum/topics/jillian-revisits-the-snag?groupUrl=snaghoustonconference&feed=yes&xn_auth=noIt looks like we are in a dis…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-04-20:2104389:Comment:1092592010-04-20T04:01:49.906ZNanz Aalundhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/NanzAalund
It looks like we are in a discussion of the chicken or the egg. Which comes first?<br />
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How can SNAG present greener options for metalsmithing if people who want to take action on those issues or feel passionately about those issues won't get involved?<br />
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You ask: "How am I supposed to show up, volunteer, put together a proposal"<br />
All I can offer as advice is how I did it: Just do it. Program proposal guidelines are on the SNAG website.<br />
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You have gotten feedback from SNAG's Executive Director, a board…
It looks like we are in a discussion of the chicken or the egg. Which comes first?<br />
<br />
How can SNAG present greener options for metalsmithing if people who want to take action on those issues or feel passionately about those issues won't get involved?<br />
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You ask: "How am I supposed to show up, volunteer, put together a proposal"<br />
All I can offer as advice is how I did it: Just do it. Program proposal guidelines are on the SNAG website.<br />
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You have gotten feedback from SNAG's Executive Director, a board member, two roses who are SNAG members, what kind of additional feedback are you looking for?<br />
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If you are expecting Dana or I to somehow put your ideas into action when we are already up to our earlobes with work on pre-existing programs, I am sorry to say that isn't a realistic expectation.<br />
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Even as a board member I can not dictate the speakers at the conference, so what am I supposed to say? The Conference Coordinators (volunteers) select the speakers and the conference theme. Seattle's program has been being worked on for 2 years already. The volunteer coordinators for the Seattle conference are members of the Seattle Metals Guild. They are listed on the SNAG website.<br />
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If you want speakers to address the issues you are passionate about, you have to get involved, work as a volunteer on a conference, or submit a speakers list to Conference coordinators a few years in advance. Information on the next 4 conferences is on the website, contact SNAGs volunteer coordinator to volunteer, or join a local metals guild.<br />
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That's the best I can offer. My point, get me to the confe…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-04-19:2104389:Comment:1091132010-04-19T12:34:56.597ZTwigshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/xn/detail/u_twigsandheather
My point, get me to the conference FIRST. Then maybe I'll join, volunteer, put together a proposal, etc.<br />
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The question was actually asked of me to give suggestions on what I would like to see from the entity of SNAG.<br />
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"I'm the executive director of SNAG. Tell me what it would look like for SNAG to "care about what you do and what you have to say." What kind of "help from SNAG" would you like to see? I hear that you are frustrated, and these are strong statements to make--please articulate more…
My point, get me to the conference FIRST. Then maybe I'll join, volunteer, put together a proposal, etc.<br />
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The question was actually asked of me to give suggestions on what I would like to see from the entity of SNAG.<br />
<br />
"I'm the executive director of SNAG. Tell me what it would look like for SNAG to "care about what you do and what you have to say." What kind of "help from SNAG" would you like to see? I hear that you are frustrated, and these are strong statements to make--please articulate more specifically what you would want SNAG to do."<br />
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Nanz- Your response is exactly what I mean about keeping me at arms length. You tell me you live in Seattle. You know all about how green it is. But yet, no comment on my suggestion or if SNAG would ever consider talking about making metalsmithing a greener profession. How am I supposed to show up, volunteer, put together a proposal, if I get no feedback from members. Feedback on the issues that I care about as a working metalsmith. Things that people that I know that are working artists are talking about.<br />
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I hear that SNAG is changing. What is it changing from? What is it changing into? I am looking for specifics so I CAN be a member. So I will WANT TO become a member. Do what you will with my suggestions...or don't.<br />
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It's hard for me to come online and talk about this. And maybe if more people joined this conversation I would feel like it has been worth it. Dana hasn't been back to comment, you seem a little perturbed by me. So I guess I will wait and see what SNAG puts together next year and then decide if I want to attend.<br />
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Ironically, this was my way of trying to participate, to volunteer my time, energy and ideas. Twigs,
You miss my point, you…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-04-19:2104389:Comment:1090912010-04-19T03:08:09.785ZNanz Aalundhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/NanzAalund
Twigs,<br />
You miss my point, you keep responding and talking about "SNAG" as if it is an actual entity. You say "SNAG could get some people" and "does SNAG know" and "I would love to see SNAG care" as if SNAG acts, does, and hears things on its own separate from its members.<br />
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Seattle is my home town (and Andy Copperman's 25 year+ home) and since we both know how green we like to live here in the Pacific Northwest, and since we are SNAG members, and we share our time and energies with the…
Twigs,<br />
You miss my point, you keep responding and talking about "SNAG" as if it is an actual entity. You say "SNAG could get some people" and "does SNAG know" and "I would love to see SNAG care" as if SNAG acts, does, and hears things on its own separate from its members.<br />
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Seattle is my home town (and Andy Copperman's 25 year+ home) and since we both know how green we like to live here in the Pacific Northwest, and since we are SNAG members, and we share our time and energies with the organization we call ourselves members of... then yes "SNAG" knows about Seattle. After all our 2011 conference is scheduled to be in Seattle.<br />
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If you are passionate about what you would "love to see" from the organization of volunteers known as SNAG than join, volunteer, put together a proposal for a program, make it happen.<br />
Anything that happens in SNAG is only through the hard work of volunteers - not by magic. I understand that SNAG is a v…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-04-15:2104389:Comment:1086432010-04-15T17:48:39.076ZTwigshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/xn/detail/u_twigsandheather
I understand that SNAG is a volunteer organization and I have spoken up about what interests me. I don't expect SNAG to start a health insurance option for metalsmiths. i think you misunderstood my point, Nanz. I was suggesting that maybe SNAG could get some people who are knowledgeable ABOUT public insurance options to talk about what is out there to help metalsmiths find options that would be useful to them. (In MA. there is a partnership with insurance companies that will pay half your…
I understand that SNAG is a volunteer organization and I have spoken up about what interests me. I don't expect SNAG to start a health insurance option for metalsmiths. i think you misunderstood my point, Nanz. I was suggesting that maybe SNAG could get some people who are knowledgeable ABOUT public insurance options to talk about what is out there to help metalsmiths find options that would be useful to them. (In MA. there is a partnership with insurance companies that will pay half your insurance if you are eligible. I am because i am a small business owner.)<br />
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Also did SNAG know that Seattle is one of the top 10 green cities in the country?<br />
<a href="http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/top-10-green-us-cities/8-seattle-wash#image" target="_blank">http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/top-10-green-us-cit...</a><br />
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"Sustainable Ballard, a green neighborhood group and sustainability festival host, offers ongoing workshops about how to live in harmony with the environment."<br />
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This is a good example of tangible benefits all metalsmiths could take home with them.<br />
The SNAG conference is only 1 weekend a year. I would love to see SNAG care a little more about what goes on in a metalsmiths life the other 363 days of the year.<br />
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Seeing topics like that would be magic to me. Not only helping ourselves, but our cities and our environment to thrive and be healthy is something as metalsmiths we can do together if we all care to. Nanz makes a key point in tha…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-04-15:2104389:Comment:1085972010-04-15T14:36:59.649Z2Roseshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/2Roses
Nanz makes a key point in that SNAG is a VOLUNTEER organization. The people in SNAG who are motivated enough to step up and donate their time, energy and resources at their own expense are typically passionate about their vision for the organization. These are all sincere, caring individuals who really want to make SNAG into something better. What "better" is has a lot of definitions. Frankly, there are far more great ideas than volunteers to implement them. This inevitably comes down to a…
Nanz makes a key point in that SNAG is a VOLUNTEER organization. The people in SNAG who are motivated enough to step up and donate their time, energy and resources at their own expense are typically passionate about their vision for the organization. These are all sincere, caring individuals who really want to make SNAG into something better. What "better" is has a lot of definitions. Frankly, there are far more great ideas than volunteers to implement them. This inevitably comes down to a making a list, prioritizing it, and getting to work.<br />
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There are many agents of change working within SNAG as we speak. This makes for a very exciting dynamic environment for some, and it scares the hell out of others. Everyone wants to get it right. No one ever thinks anything is happening fast enough. Make no mistake. SNAG is changing. Sometimes rushing headlong, sometimes dragged kicking and screaming, but it most definitely IS changing.<br />
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Are people in SNAG listening to the community of artists, makers, designers, educators? Hell yes! Everyone in SNAG is part of that community. That's the point here, SNAG is you, and you can make it anything you want, if you step up and do it.<br />
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Speak up! Show up! Step up! Magic happens when you do. Just ask Jillian. As a current board member of…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-30:2104389:Comment:1043352010-03-30T20:41:38.066ZNanz Aalundhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/NanzAalund
As a current board member of SNAG - I just want to say I spent the majority of my professional career as the fine jewelry designer for a major fashion retailer -without any involvement in SNAG.<br />
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Even though I was technically a "goldsmith" I stopped my SNAG membership when it did not mesh with or support the work I was doing.<br />
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Even as a student member, I did not get into any student shows or get any scholarships to attend conferences, because most of those services didn't exist yet, back in the…
As a current board member of SNAG - I just want to say I spent the majority of my professional career as the fine jewelry designer for a major fashion retailer -without any involvement in SNAG.<br />
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Even though I was technically a "goldsmith" I stopped my SNAG membership when it did not mesh with or support the work I was doing.<br />
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Even as a student member, I did not get into any student shows or get any scholarships to attend conferences, because most of those services didn't exist yet, back in the late 1970s and early 1980s.<br />
Someone had yet to step forward as a volunteer and created those services. And they did, but it was after I was no longer a student.<br />
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I returned to SNAG membership in 2000 with the idea that perhaps I had something to offer SNAG. I was voted onto the board in 2008.<br />
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I suppose I am from the generation that heard JFK say: Ask not what can be done for you, but what you can do for others. Although, I was still in diapers when he said it.<br />
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I have been told that the Millennial generation (anyone born or turning 21 by 2000) has a much stronger identification with his words. That would make the leading edge of Millennials to be about 30 now. Is that the Indie Craft crowd? The fairs I have attended seem to be within that age group. I can only hope they will step-up and take leadership roles as volunteers, as project coordinators, as board members.<br />
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Since there seems to be just so many issues being presented that the volunteer run organization know as SNAG is not adequately addressing, I will focus on just one to make my point.<br />
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I would love to see a group health insurance option for metalsmiths, but as a volunteer without any experience in the insurance industry and with a full plate of project that I am already working on for SNAG - I have to ask, how could that be set-up, implemented, joined, maintained?<br />
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Who would staff, coordinate, and run such a program? Would you (anyone reading this) be willing to give up your personal time/craft business to take this project on?<br />
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If not, how can you expect the volunteers at any social group to give up more of their personal time or take time away from other valid programs to do this for you?<br />
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Just asking,<br />
Nanz Twigs, of course I've know ab…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-26:2104389:Comment:1035382010-03-26T23:54:12.808ZDana Singerhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/xn/detail/u_0i6qw6ayfx52z
Twigs, of course I've know about crafthaus for quite a long time, and yes I've been reading what was said about the conference long before we got to Houston. Does the "coverage" of SNAG reflect all that went on there? I think it captures a lot of the intangibles about the conference. Beyond that, there's more to write about. But it's only a snapshot of some of the conference and it's what individual people want to write about. Also I believe it's hard to convey the energy and sense of community…
Twigs, of course I've know about crafthaus for quite a long time, and yes I've been reading what was said about the conference long before we got to Houston. Does the "coverage" of SNAG reflect all that went on there? I think it captures a lot of the intangibles about the conference. Beyond that, there's more to write about. But it's only a snapshot of some of the conference and it's what individual people want to write about. Also I believe it's hard to convey the energy and sense of community that goes on there.<br />
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I agree we should stop debating academic vs. commercial vs. production vs. whatever. We need to figure out how to bring more metalsmiths together. Our focus now is bringing together kindred souls. People who are inspired by bold ambitious new work, new processes, inspired by challenging the boundaries around us. People who make design-driven work as well as those who make concept-driven work. Yes SNAG can learn from so much that's going on around us.<br />
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What Michael and John said is true--SNAG does care, and we are most definitely going through a period of major transitions. A lot of what I hear being said is already being addressed by the board--and this includes looking at Metalsmith, our conferences and our website .<br />
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As much as we want to be nimble and change on a dime, this isn't a one-person shop, and there are as many opinions out there about what SNAG should be as there are members. Some days I feel like we're trying to turn a 747 around mid-air. The field has changed so much and continues to change. We're in a huge generational shift, and the conferences are indeed getting younger and younger each year.<br />
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Can one have a career in this field without SNAG? Obviously yes. Would your path be enhanced by being a part of what SNAG offers? I believe yes. Have you been to a SNAG conference in recent years? I don't know where you live but next year's is in Seattle. I invite you to come experience it for yourself. Among other things you will make new connections (some of which will bring in revenue), you will be inspired and feel regenerated, and you'll learn practical business information at our Professional Development Seminar. You'll also have a lot of fun. Dana, I appreciate you asking…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-26:2104389:Comment:1034852010-03-26T18:44:50.846ZTwigshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/xn/detail/u_twigsandheather
Dana, I appreciate you asking me a few questions but I have a few of my own...<br />
Did you know about crafthaus and that they were talking about the conferance for a few months beforehand?<br />
Are you satisfied with the coverage of SNAG here at crafthaus? Does it reflect all that went on there? Would you have added anything to make people like me more interested?<br />
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You ask me how SNAG can help me. Well, maybe you can tell me what exactly I am missing. I have built my career with no help from SNAG and I…
Dana, I appreciate you asking me a few questions but I have a few of my own...<br />
Did you know about crafthaus and that they were talking about the conferance for a few months beforehand?<br />
Are you satisfied with the coverage of SNAG here at crafthaus? Does it reflect all that went on there? Would you have added anything to make people like me more interested?<br />
<br />
You ask me how SNAG can help me. Well, maybe you can tell me what exactly I am missing. I have built my career with no help from SNAG and I know many artists that can say the same. The shows that I do are growing and becoming more successful. They are breathing new life into art and craft. They are competitive and showcase what I think is the best of the best of emerging artists. I say you should be paying attention because they are doing something right and maybe SNAG can learn from the people organizing these shows and participating in them.<br />
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Maybe the things that I would like to discuss and hear about are a little to simplistic for SNAG. I am very passionate about the environment and greening my studio. Also health care for artists. How handmade has changed with online selling, good and bad. Art therapy for children, the importance of public art. Just things that help artists be happy and healthy. These are issues that not only effect me as and artists but also effect the world as a whole. It a big picture thing for me. Maybe I am just too much of a hippy but I think that if SNAG could get all metalsmiths together, stop debating academic vs. commercial vs. production vs. whatever then maybe our profession can actually help the world. A very thoughtful and balance…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-26:2104389:Comment:1034482010-03-26T04:13:46.262Z2Roseshttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/2Roses
A very thoughtful and balanced analysis, Michael. SNAG is indeed changing. And change is messy, enlightening, frustrating, empowering, scary, and exciting all at the same time. What we become will be determined by all of us in this tribe of creative thinkers. It is important to speak up, but as you have so rightly pointed out, it is even more important to “show up”. We are happily confident you’ll be doing both all the way to Seattle 2011, Mr. Bernard.
A very thoughtful and balanced analysis, Michael. SNAG is indeed changing. And change is messy, enlightening, frustrating, empowering, scary, and exciting all at the same time. What we become will be determined by all of us in this tribe of creative thinkers. It is important to speak up, but as you have so rightly pointed out, it is even more important to “show up”. We are happily confident you’ll be doing both all the way to Seattle 2011, Mr. Bernard. Jillian, I am so glad I got a…tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2010-03-25:2104389:Comment:1033242010-03-25T22:26:19.065ZMichael Dale Bernardhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/MichaelDaleBernard
Jillian, I am so glad I got a chance to sit and talk with you on that last morning in Houston. You are an inspirational example of Crafthaus absolutely shattering the model of the isolated artist. I am excited about the quality of processing you are doing regarding the conference. Discussion will produce different issues, revelations, and perhaps solutions than polling and that is without a doubt why SNAG is paying attention.<br />
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I am intrigued by the sociological approach of many of your topics.…
Jillian, I am so glad I got a chance to sit and talk with you on that last morning in Houston. You are an inspirational example of Crafthaus absolutely shattering the model of the isolated artist. I am excited about the quality of processing you are doing regarding the conference. Discussion will produce different issues, revelations, and perhaps solutions than polling and that is without a doubt why SNAG is paying attention.<br />
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I am intrigued by the sociological approach of many of your topics. We are after all a Society, and understanding the dynamic of our group is perhaps even more important than the subjects, objects, and field figures which we share a passion for. This is especially true when considering the rise of social networking. We have begun to talk in a new way. Not about slides, processes, lectures, materials, suppliers, but about us, our wants, needs, and passions. Views and experiences are being shared and discussed the way bench tips and tricks have been for so long... publicly.<br />
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Dana, I am delighted to see you trolling the threads and investigating the thoughts and pressing issues of this niche of metalsmiths. There is only a percentage of the SNAG membership on this forum (and other forums for that matter), but I do believe it is undeniably the fresh, potent voice of change in the making.<br />
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Twigs, the issue of SNAG's efforts toward bringing in new members and creating an appeal for the Indie-embracing artists at their conference may be irrelevant. I do not write this to conflict with your post at all. I agree with many of the points you make including your question of SNAG caring. I believe that SNAG does care, but that it is in an odd state of transition right now.<br />
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The organization is obviously interested in building its membership and appealing to a diversified body of makers, but it may be facing an equally diverse number of opinions on how best to do this. Change and growth may be difficult to identify in an organization that is only 41 years old. But, I have seen the conference getting 'younger' every year; getting a little more irreverent towards the elite and also winning over the affections of many in a resurrected spirit of camaraderie.<br />
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The irrelevance that I speak of is that 'the Indie' can overcome and overtake simply by showing up! We don’t need to feel invited because truthfully we are not few in number. Those with questions and new perspectives on SNAG need to be at the conference. But, most importantly, they also need to step up and attend the Membership Meetings at the conference. This is where our voices and our concerns can bear fruit.<br />
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The student / academia vs. production artist issue really needs to die. Perhaps we can learn to introduce ourselves by asking what materials we work with or where our studio is located rather than “what do you do for a living?” We all do what we have to in order to monetarily allow ourselves to fulfill our desire to make.<br />
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Regarding the main post, the issue of wearing your own work is not just applicable to those who make to sell or seek representation. I am a part time instructor, I am irreverent to the elite attitudes still lingering in SNAG, and I floss my own work like nobody’s business. I do it because I love my work. I do it because I want people to associate me with my work. I do it because my work fits my style like a glove. I don’t do it to sell. I teach to make money. I spend that money on my work. I chose to separate my passion from commercialism. Is that not Indie?<br />
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The truth may lie more in the issue of art vs. product and the personal attitudes this differentiation can cause. Some artists (those who consider the objects they make to be art pieces) may not be comfortable with today’s connotations of collectable as embraced by the culture of indie craft. It is a more personal relationship that the buyer has with the object, one without status, prestige, or recognition. They are more familiar with the formal and traditional model of the Collector. This prescribes a particular etiquette to be followed on how their objects are treated. They may not wear their own work for fear of the art quality of it being diminished by its seemingly frivolous display.<br />
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One could compare this to a famous artist being concerned about the venues at which his or her work would be displayed. I.e., Damien Hurst most likely would not show work at a community college art gallery in their monthly rotation of shows. Essentially, the jewelry artist may not feel that display of their work, on their person, at SNAG is a worthy venue. This is of course not the only scenario which could range from simple comfort and personal confidence to those that are so well know that they no longer feel the need or want; the old ‘been there, done that.’<br />
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The joy of making an object for someone’s true and deep personal enjoyment is not new, but its emotional involvement is perhaps different than that of making an art object. That emotion is what seems to be revealing itself in this new spirit of Indie makers. This spirit is what we need more of at the SNAG conference. We need people who are not into posturing and instead want to play!<br />
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I will continue to attend the conference because I meet, face-to-face, the wonderful, open-minded artists that are found here on Crafthaus and we solidify new friendships while discussing these same topics. I will continue to wear my work (because I think it rocks). I admit that I enjoy listening to the critical lectures about the history, current issues, and future of our field and that the topics of these lectures may be the source of contention on the ‘caring’ of SNAG. But I am hedging my bets that showing up, socializing, discussing, and sharing is the way to influence those current topics and the future of our field for the SNAG that I hope emerges.