Etsy workshop overview

The What and Why COME COME COME to Handmade Nation

COME to Handmade Nation, which has a free screening tomorrow night at the wolf Performance hall, hosted my the film maker Faythe Levine.


"Handmade Nation documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognize the marriage between historical techniques, punk and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art. Fueled by the common thread of creating, Handmade Nation explores a burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination and networking.


In 2006 first time director Faythe Levine traveled to 15 cities, interviewing 80 individuals. Levine captured the virtually tight-knit community that exists through websites, blogs and online stores and connects to the greater public through independent boutiques, galleries and craft fairs. Interviews were also conducted in artist studios and homes of the featured makers."


This is the culmination of a three month festival co sponsored by The City Of London, The london Public library, and a host of Downtown businesses including the Practice Loft Yoga studio Hyggeligt Fabrics on Richmond Row, the Blooming Bog, The Blackshire Pub and Jennifer Squires Photography. The First Annual Handmade Festival Hired artists in our community to teach free workshops to the greater public, so that we can show people how to sustain themselves using there hands. We wanted to share skills regardless of skill level or income level. These classes were available to all age ages as well. We introduced the participants to the local guilds and independent businesses as well, so that they can continue their craft with help from their community. We then had a one day show and sale which incorporated the artists who taught the classes with the participants and other local artists. There were over 30 booths of one of a kind items lining the corridor of the central library, and there was a chance for people to try each craft, and see how it's made.


The film is inspiring, and while it's not london based it has a strong connection to the DIY movement we are seeing in london, with the opening of the Open House arts Collective, The East village arts co-op, and Lady fest london(www.ladyfestlondon.ca) There is an insurgence of 20 somethings creating art in this city, and we want to do whatever we can to support that. As a totally NFP group we work solely to promote artists and the artistic community at large,
I've encountered such a strong need for this in community, it's overwhelming. We will be having another series of workshops in the fall, and people are coming out of the woodwork, from all over london and toronto to be apart of this.
It's so important to me, and the more people that come out tomorrow, the more people show support for the London public library and our community who have been so wonderful to the festival. I love them, and I'm really grateful
Leia Beland Rawson
Handmade Festival Co-ordinator
www.handmadefestival.ca
handmadefest.blogspot.com
(519)642-1312

Handmade Nation

Faythe Levine is In Town! I wish I had updated about the amazing festival last Saturday, but It is a whirlwind, and when I touch down I will write in retrospect about the amazing people and the incredible event that took place! Until Then.... Handmade Nation Premieres tomorrow night!! Faythe Levine is in town to open it, and she's totally wonderful and I'm so thankful that she's here. And that I get to spend some time taking her around the city tomorrow. The film Opens at 7pm and Transition Towns, London Chapter has volunteered to move their meeting and direct everyone over to the film because what we are doing, and what they strive to do is essentially one in the same, and they are lovely people who like to support local independent art, you can find more info on Transition Towns here http://transitiontowns.org/TransitionNetwork/TransitionInitiative Faythe will speak and we will have some time for Q&A and then the film runs about an hour in length. After the Film we will be having a wrap party at The Blackshire Pub on Talbot St@ Dufferin , Ian Doig-Phaneuf Will be DJing, and we will have a silent auction for items donated by the sellers at the Handmade festival, and the things which have been donated are amazing. Come, Come, Come!!! It will be a great time.