t’s most recent protest of bad art reminded me of an email I received from Sugarloaf, a production company that organizes art and fine craft fairs up and down the east coast. The essence of the email was a cry for help eminating from American craftspeople.

You often hear about companies affected by globalization. The usual story is that the production moves to markets where labor is cheaper causing factories to close in our American hometowns. Other businesses are affected by a flood of less expensive imports that eventually drive them out of business.

For ..[all] craftspeople another aspect of this same movement to globalize is affecting their ability to continue to produce.

The email continues to detail the plight of a weaver who is now unable to use the American spun fibers he prefers because the mill (which had been open since 1851 in Kentucky) shut down in the face of — it is implied — globalization. Other testimonials are scattered throughout the text as a further testament that everyone is effected.

Other pressures from globalization we have seen in recent years include several years when the Japanese market claimed most of the leather produced, reducing supplies and driving up prices. We lost many, many excellent quality leather designers due to this. Gold is near all-time highs this year, and jewelers are especially hard pressed to maintain the production inventory necessary to continue operating at normal levels. Pricing for gold jewelry to the end consumer is likewise affected upward.

Potters and glassblowers are facing hugely higher fuel costs to run their kilns resulting in a squeeze between their cost of production and their pricing.

As you all can imagine, America will certainly not receive the press it is addicted to by trying to preserve the various art forms and countless number of artisans and craftspeople who devote their time to them. Apparently such crafts are relegated to time period exhibits like the working one in Williamsburg, VA.

Trade craft is a difficult life. Craftspeople and artisans know that and every once in a while, one gets that big sale that makes a show worth attending. Art, however, is this both exclusive and highly accessible idea. Good art is argued against bad and frequently, post mortem exhibits are the way to support the family.

In light of this, and t’s continued fight against ocular pains, modern day artisans have a choice to make — whether to keep trying an potenially alienate themselves from the paths art moves down or work with popular momentum.

Ramen anyone?

Thursday, September 7th, 2006 @ 3:04 pm Art, Consumerism
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