Reading Handmade Nation makes me feel like I did in ‘97, when I was living in Taiwan hearing about the Swing Dance Revival that swept the US. Like I’m eternally at the wrong place at the right time.
It’s very US-centric, as you can tell by the cover. Not a big issue, but it makes me feel the same way I feel shlepping from Sligo to Dublin to DATA (Dublin Art and Technology Association) events. Like I’m always outside the self-focused/self-obsessed centre. I guess IATA wouldn’t have the same ring to it.
I’m just… a little wistful (jealous?)… I’ll probably never visit Art vs Craft, I’ll never go to Renegade Craft Fair, or see the Handmade Parade. Is it OK to be a little jealous? I’m just going to wallow a little bit in it. I’m getting over it… *pause*… OK, I’m over it.
But this review isn’t about ME. It’s about the book. It’s a great book. And I can’t wait to see the documentary. I posted something about it before.
See more about the documentary here: http://handmadenationmovie.com/
It is such a well designed book. The cover is embossed- it has an offset-silk-screen printed look, and then it is embossed. All the titles of interviews are hand-drawn by a very talented illustrator. Read an interview with the illustrator (via the Handmade Nation Blog). Each interview is inspiring, and a quick read. This is a pick-up and flick through kind of book- you could read an article while you’re waiting for some glue to dry. The interviews are organised by region- with longer thematic articles included.
The interviews show photos of studios, the crafters, their work- and they are written in first person. You get the idea that this book can only show a little peek into each craft person’s work and process. I bet the documentary is going to be brilliant- will it come to Ireland?? Highly unlikely, but you never know.
It’s an excellent book, and I highly recommend it for loads of inspiration. And if you don’t craft you should buy it for your crafty friend.
Info about the upcoming film: http://handmadenationmovie.com/
The Handmade Nation Blog: http://indiecraftdocumentary.blogspot.com/
