[Jewelry making - Article 00025] - Re: [Orchid] Metalsmith's Exhibition in Print

[Michael David Sturlin]

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    Throughout this thread it seems as though there is a division being
    made into only two sections of the metalsmithing field, (keeping in
    mind it has primarily been about makers of jewelry). These two camps
    appear to be the trade jewelers and the academics. 

    I don't think this is adequately reflective of the real makeup of
    SNAG, although it does illustrate two sections of the membership. I
    believe this misrepresents the vast diversity that exists here on the
    Orchid forum, as well as in the greater metal arts community. I feel
    that the studio artist, such as myself, who produce one of a kind
    and series items, and is neither an avant garde, nor a tradesperson
    or manufacturer, has been under represented in the discussion. 

    The makers of the 'avant garde' describe the traditional jewelers as
    being unimaginative and in service to the materials. The bench
    jewelers describe the "academic art jewelers" as being arrogant and
    exclusionist. In neither case does it promote any understanding or
    appreciation for what the other does. There doesn't appear to be any
    benefit or productive dialogue once it becomes adversarial. Those who
    deride one segment of the spectrum due to their own personal
    inclinations towards a differing section of the whole, seem to have
    very hostile and exclusionary feelings towards some of the others,
    and treat them as the opposition, rather than as colleagues and
    companions in the same field. 

    That being said, I willingly admit to having strong sentiments and
    peculiarities, just as much as the next goldsmith, or jeweler, or
    artist, (take your pick) but I do try not to take our differing
    perspectives too personally. 

    I believe there are far more studio artists, such as myself, who are
    not involving themselves in this dialogue, but who are quietly
    working in their studios and creating work that is well conceived and
    designed, finely made, wearable, valuable, and collectable. These
    are the working artists who comprise a large section of the
    membership of SNAG, and who are perhaps just more interested in
    creating their own work than in critiquing and dismissing the efforts
    of others. 

    Let's remember that the arts are a collective and collaborative
    endeavor, regardless of where on the spectrum one happens to exist. 

Respectfully,
Michael David Sturlin
www.michaeldavidsturlin.com

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