Handmade Nation

Hit the totally fun and fabulous film screening of Handmade Nation sponsored by the SF Film Society last week.

A doc that highlighted and interviewed artists and crafters involved in the new, young and indie DIY art and craft scene gaining momentum around the US.

Printmakers creating band posters – needlepointers making portraits of Tammy Wynette, glass bead artisans creating intricate and crazy ornate necklaces – punky skull motif rugs being made from scraps of reused fabrics – and remember latch hook?  Sigh – breathe – too many wonderful things to mention them all.

What I loved most is how they all highlight within this DIY movement a great synergy between old and new.  I tell folks that Gussy is about giving old things new lives – and while I mean it literally – many of these artists are doing it symbolically by knitting not afghans, but laptop cases.  They’re using old techniques and transforming them into new designs.

In our ever-quickening world of fast-made products, I also felt the film conveyed a sense of pride and a return and celebration of things that are slowly, lovingly made by hand.

I was so inspired, what can I say – I’m off to make some slowly, lovingly handmade earrings – for you.

find out more about the film at:

http://handmadenationmovie.com/

to green wonders and wanders,

Gussy