In an age of increasing national prosperity, personal wealth and material possessions, people are consciously opting for a simpler lifestyle. Fewer people think that "earning a lot of money" is an indicator of success. The American public has apprehended the limited rewards to be had from a consumer society, is throwing off the shackles of man-made wealth and looking for the experiential riches that can be found in Arts & Crafts.
High technology is being usurped by the low. Prescriptions are declined in favor of homeopathic herbs and supplements. Large gas-guzzling automobiles are being traded in for economical electric (or hybrid) cars or bicycles. And people are opting for the hobbies and past-times of their parents and grandparents. Men and women of all ages enjoy developing personal skills such as knitting, gardening, pottery, leatherwork and quilting that contribute to self-reliance and reduce dependence on commercial products. The merits of hi-tech entertainment is being reevaluated as well, with people trading in television and computer video games for more soothing escapes such as needlepoint or woodworking.
Participation in Arts & Crafts engages the creative senses and fosters a sense of personal empowerment, accomplishment, and well-placed pride. There is something luxuriantly rewarding about feeling the slippery coolness of clay on a potter's wheel after an hour in rush hour traffic. And who wouldn't prefer to walk barefoot across a hand-made latch-hook rug rather than something picked up on sale last year at Sears?
Best of all, the variety of arts and crafts available ensures that everyone can find something that tickles their fancy and their artistic funny bone. Everybody has a number of talents and an underground stream of creative energy and joy that can be channelled into beautiful and functional results. |
