It’s going to sound trite or materialistic to admit that I have a few “things” or material possessions that I really love because someone special made it, or a unique material or process was used, or because the craftsmanship and material are special.
For example, Garland Rice, retired Polk County High School construction teacher, made me several oak tables from a piece of red oak that came from Deep Gap, a secluded range of small mountains that sleeps between Cooper’s Gap, World’s Edge, and Edneyville, NC. I used to live there in an 1864 farmhouse—middle of nowhere and lovely, dark, and deep. Every time I prop my feet on the big table, I think about this place.
Also, I love the simple design of the sturdy tables,
and appreciate their primitive elegance.
Bartering is common with us, so Garland traded wood for wild game. Garland never does anything halfhearted. I know this because I listened to his students who so admired him and his passion for teaching them the value of using their hands and their brains.
I love his tables (can’t call them “coffee tables” because it sounds too trite, cliche, mundane.
It gets pretty intense around the table. Tonight we're playing a
word game Apples to Apples,
and Lyndsey is losing because Cole is getting outside the box.
I love my candleholder handcrafted by a local forest ranger and wood craftsman. It is a work of art.
He also makes the most beautiful wooden bowls, using local materials from my neck of the woods. The candle holder looks great beside Cole’s hand-gathered and handcrafted antler lamp.I know Dan, his wife, and his daughters. In fact, I taught his girls in high school. I love the passion he has for his craft. I hate to love “things,” but I do. If you want to appreciate his talent, visit his website Dan Loudermelt’s Tree Treasures.
I love Jody Durham’s soy candles. Jody searched for the highest quality soy, and tested and poured before he settled on his recipe and ingredients. I know Jody, Deanna, and their 2 daughters. In fact, I taught both of them in high school.
When I light one, the wonderful scent is enhanced by the craftsmanship that goes into each of them. Check out his new company Small Time Candles. Tonight, the Clean Cotton scent is working nicely, as Cole made us dinner by tenderly sautéing some fresh fish (ok, he rolled it in cornmeal and fried it to a crisp with a side of Heinz ketchup, filling the kitchen and living room with a “cooked,” heavy smell). Jody is a creative photographer as well. One of his photographs is particularly unforgettable. I’m not sentimental about weddings, but this photo from his gallery is unforgettable—the bride almost disappears into the clouds. Symbolism and metaphor abound. I love this photograph.
When I visit Julia and Stan Yoder’s Open Road Coffee in Tryon, I feel good somehow, because the owners are genuine—they love their shop.
You can just tell—the handcrafted chocolate sauce that goes on my mocha latte, the homemade pastries…the coffee is awesome, and even better because the Yoders smile a lot, because their children are often nearby, because the greet their customers with genuine interest. Once I get my smooth coffee, I can sit on the outside patio, inside, or step on over the New to You Re-Use It Shop. I’ve got several handmade scarves I love. Yes, they’re flattering, but better yet I can imagine the crafter mulling over colored streams of soft cotton. There’s lots of brand name clothing that is mildly worn, and I often get some great finds. My sister and I fought over this gladiator outfit just last Saturday.
It might be great to wear on family night while we watch Troy, Gladiator, 300, or Titus Andronicus.
My student Hope’s apple pie creation is almost too good to eat, but after some pics and accolades, I sent it on up to M & M in Hendersonville (one slice missing), as I knew this would add some discussion to the regular lunch break.
Supposedly, someone said, “This %@$# pie looks too good to eat…this %@$# pie is the best I’ve ever eaten.” Hope’s pie is both—tart, tasty, tantalizing. I say sell them on her college campus and pay for tuition.
Whether or not you appreciate traditional Moonshine, you might appreciate the craftsmanship the artisan used when he hammered out the Dark Corner Distillery copper still. It is something to see. Joe and Roxanne have taken care with the design of their store--copper patina walls and all. By the way, Joe is a former student of mine. The ambiance suits the product and the tradition. Beautiful place.
When I buy local, sometimes I know the person and about his or her life. I buy from people I like and admire. I buy for their commitment to their craft, their creativity, their work ethic. Sorry, but mass-produced feels sort of like the emptiness of a gift card—that generic, androgynous, safe choice—nothing personal. Most people who handcraft their wares usually enjoy the process. Everything can’t be handcrafted by an artisan, I know. But, that is the reason I have an attachment for some things—because someone “studied” it, or worked, then stepped back, evaluated, and took up the “tool” again—someone contemplated…
PS. Sorry about the font; it is defying my commands.
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