[Jewelry making - Article 00590] - Re: [Orchid] Article: Minimal Metalsmithing

[Kimberly Starbard]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

>     But they could create something equally as impressive, complicated
>     and labor intensively finished as his work. 

    In literature, this is sometimes referred to as "hubris". I am not
    insulting you in any way...I'll come back around to what I am
    getting at in just a minute....bear with me 

>     are threatened by the fact that metal clay can more or less be
>     mastered in a much shorter time frame. 

    I don't think anyone is threatened by metal clay. I'm having a hard
    time putting into words what I want to say.... I always, always refer
    to myself as a "student" when in conversation. I am learning and it
    is a long process. This is not to say that I have no confidence or no
    talent. It is actually quite the opposite in both respects. However,
    it is a term I use in respect. It is what I like to think of as
    having a respectful attitude in life (not just jewelry, for believe
    it or not, there is more). I will probably call myself a student for
    a long, long time. 

    A man like Mr Miller has worked the greater part of his life
    mastering his trade. To say "don't diss my medium because I'm just as
    good as you are"....is way disrespectful. I have always believed that
    humility and an outward showing of respect will garner much more
    respect for me than any other means. I am free to think whatever I
    want in my head (we all are) but what comes out of my mouth (if I'm
    living right) is humility, respect, honor, and honesty. I am in no
    way saying I am perfect...not even close. I'm actually somewhat of a
    wiseacre. Just try for a second to see where he's coming from. 

    This discussion of metal clay reminds me of other situations as
    well. I'm thinking of those who learn, say, a rubover setting and
    then announce to everyone that he/she is an "artist" and a goldsmith.
    This is what I mean by hubris. Those who have spent years learning
    all they can about metal and it's work....a lot of times they don't
    even call themselves artists. You gotta earn it....and by that I mean
    live it. When you are an artist, truly, it is because your
    contemporaries are calling you one, not because you woke up one day
    and just decided. I called myself an artist for a little while. It
    felt presumptuous to me, so I stopped. I'm not telling anyone what to
    do though. Just understand that when you say these things to those
    who have been in the field for a long time, it isn't going to be
    taken easily. 

    Where did I read somewhere that, in the Jewish faith, it is believed
    that, in the eyes of God, it is just as much a sin to return an
    insult as it is to throw the first one? I'm paraphrasing (obviously).
    I try to remember that. It's not very easy though and it's not
    because I'm not Jewish. 

    This has all been kinda out of control. 

Kim
Kim Starbard
http://www.kimstarbarddesigns.com

 
____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________