April 22, 2009
Perspectives // Make like a master
In this economic downturn, I have noticed a new directness. When presented with complex challenges, the answers seem to appear when layers are removed and the focus is on simplicity. Building Teroforma has meant time spent talking to and working with some really gifted craftsmen around the world. Not necessarily the type who figure in museums or in retrospectives (yet). But the kind who seem to do it for love of the game. Their differences are numerous - age, language, nationality, etc. It is, however, an elemental similarity that connects them: focus. Complete absorption in the task at hand. The ability to disregard the noise and to concentrate on the thousand practiced movements and nuances that turn motion into craft. While adopting some of that focus may help us all keep our heads above water in the turbulent ‘now,’ I wonder if a new found simplicity can survive in calmer times. And if it did, I wonder what could be achieved.
Tags: economic downturn, master crafstmen, Perspectives, Teroforma