The Rebirth of the Everyday Artisan

Some time ago, I had a little purple newsletter called, you guessed it, The Everyday Artisan. I stopped printing it due to paper costs and trying to be greener, plus I got a day job that is very kick-a**.

I had every intention of creating a web site for EA, but finally let it go when I got too busy with work and family, blah-blah-blah.

Anyways, I'm reprinting some articles from the glorious days of EA and hoping to create new entries for those of us who create things, sell things sometimes, and give a lot away. We have a stash so wealthy it would make Solomon blush, and we can't bear to throw away anything colorful, interesting or textured.

I'll be covering various art endeavors, business opportunities, craft fairs, crafting events, classes and so on. If you have anything to post in that arena, give me a virtual shout. I can tell you one thing that's being organized right now - the Crafters Smackdown on February 17, 2008.

So here's one of my fave editor's letter from the old days, "No Justas" - Enjoy!

I don’t ever want to sound negative, but there’s something I’ve just got to help people get rid of.
In articles, interviews and casual conversations about art and craft, eventually, someone says, “I don’t think of myself as an artist, I’m just a ________” Fill in the blank with knitter, quilter, hobby painter, or whatever.
Why oh why do we do this to ourselves? I don’t want to sound like your therapist here, but it’s time to self-actualize.
Maybe it’s the word ‘artist’ that trips you up. Or the age-old concept that you have to be deliberately strange, unhappy and neglectful of your family to be a true artist. Sometimes I avoid calling myself an artist, lest I sound snooty. But honestly, what’s the big hang-up? It’s my work, I can call it whatever I want.
We chose Everyday Artisan for the newsletter so everyone could feel included.
Please keep sending ideas and feedback about this, your newsletter. It’s always great to hear from you. Even if you are just an artist.