why do we make stuff?

[tyger]

Wow, indeed! This a wonderful thread!! It's fascinating to read what you all have said.

All of my life I've loved making things, including artwork.

But now for the past six years I have the happiness and satisfaction of making kilts. .

Thanks Bonnie. Lots of art in your path. I think the art of creation is special. Anybody can buy and sell. Hawk and gawk and gripe. And the come-ons: free this, free that. Jeesh. Deliver me!

[Alan H]

Wonderful post, Bonnie....loved that.

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It's funny, I feel like I don't have a drop of "art" in me. My mother drew and painted, and I sort of tried, but never got anywhere with it. Music was my thing. I've since spent some time with Photography, and that's fun but somehow to me it's not the same. Others may disagree, and I absolutely agree that skill and art in the darkroom completely qualifies, but I never got that far with it.

However, I like building stuff. The transition from building stuff out of 2 x 4's and plywood or metal, to sewing was no big deal. I think this is why my approach to kilts is different from many people here. I don't sew them. I build them.

One of my favorite boatbuilding books is by a guy named George Buehler. George really does NOT fit into the usual "Naval Architect" mold. One of the things that George just hates is the "Wooden Boat School Guys". These are the guys who have to dovetail every joint to 1/1,000 inch perfection and every single surface must be covered by nine layers of immaculate varnish. George is of the "bolt it together with some glue and paint it" school. The thing is, his boats sail just fine.

Quote from George's book...."It's a BOAT, not a SHRINE".

My adaption? "It's a KILT, not a SHRINE"

[Elf]

It's the curse of a creative mind. I look at something and I like this part but maybe not that part so much. I think of how I would do it then of course no one out there is going to have a mass produced item that matches my ruminations. I have to make it myself or it's not going to happen.

Then of course my freinds learn what I can do and rib me for giving in to mass production if I do buy ready made. In re-enacting I have several checked shirts and of course the plaid has to match or else I'll hear it no end from my associates. I've been contemplating making a kilt box pleated to nothing, but fear this very comment from them. The fabric has sat for three years now. Must admit however that I've trapped myself.

I also came to this forum through reasearch for DIY projects. Good luck to all the creative types out there.