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When
my interest in art was developing, I was
lucky enough to have met a crafting professional
who thought enough of me to discuss and
educate me on the mechanics of crafting.
This man was my choir director. Throughout
high school I was involved (sometimes way
over my head) in the production of madrigal
dinners, musicals, concerts, theater in
the round and the like. Always our budget
was next to none, yet with each performance
came rave reviews. Why? Because my director
understood the mechanics of crafting.
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Whenever
you create something to be viewed by another
individual, you need to develop your skill
to recognize small and sometimes minute
details. This is the mechanics of crafting.
I have to laugh when I think of a particular
day many many years ago! A bunch of us
were folding programs for a concert and
the director was so fussy about how we
were folding the programs. He insisted
that the corners were to be aligned properly.
I grimaced then, today, after doing many
wholesale and retail shows, I understand
why he was concerned something as simple
as the corners of a program. The mechanics
of your craft, whatever your craft, is
very important.
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Let's
discuss what the mechanics of crafting
has to do with you...a painter, author,
or crafter. I take for granted that those
that are reading this article, create
projects to be viewed by others.
Yippee!
Youve just finished a BEAUTIFUL floral
painting on a lovely jewelry box!
Take a good look
at the box. Look at the left & right
side, the back & front side, the bottom,
& inside of the box? Does each surface
look just as good as the top? Is the finish
a consistent quality? Did you use the
same palette of colors on the inside as
you did on the outside? Did you get any
paint on the hinges? Is the finish just
as smooth as the top of the box? Within
the painting itself: Are the strokes consistently
created...is your painting style consistent
within the floral pattern?
If
you haven't done this, take the time now
to finish them out with the same skill
and precise craftsmanship you used to
decorate the top of the box.
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When
you utilize the mechanics of crafting
within your own art, it's easy to go overboard.
I'm not suggesting you do this. You'll
NEVER finish a painted piece and probably
give up painting. However...If you do
this for a living, or want to develop
your skill as a painter. I suggest that
to keep your standards high and build
your reputation as a painter. You should
always consider the impact of a painted
piece. Whenever I go to a show...I look
at the mechanics and buy the pieces that
are well made and I do notice artists
who pay attention to the little details.
I'm also willing to spend more for those
that spend that extra time. The mechanics
of crafting is what turns a painted novelty
into an heirloom treasured for generations.
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