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 How did you get started?
When I was about 7 years old I wanted a sled. My grandfather showed me where the tools were and what wood I could use. He told me "Put the tools back where they belong when you are done."
It took several weeks to make my sled, and then some changes before it worked right, then a lot of repairs whenever I used it, but I had my sled.
There are a lot of stories between there and my landing at Portland Saturday Market but the theme doesn't change much; I get a lot of pleasure from figuring out how to do something, then to do it.
Who has influenced you most in your life?
My grandfather: he was a quiet unassuming self-reliant man who went about creating the life that he wanted without asking or expecting anything. He enjoyed his life, his garden, his shop, his books, and his stones; he didn't concern himself with other things. He rarely spoke to me; his influence over me was simply by example, which, to me, was admirable.
What is the difference between PSM and other Markets?
PSM is very unique among the markets that I have seen. It has grown as a loose coalition of very independent artists/craftspeople who have only the common goal of independently selling their creations. It has happened without the obstructions of unrelated ambitions, outside help, or a central plan other than the administration necessary to do what we are here to do. It is simple and pure. It has evolved not by design, but naturally, to be an event and landmark in Portland; that is a rare beauty, and is what sets Portland Saturday Market apart from all others.
Describe the difference between "arts" and "crafts"?
From our (PSM) perspective, I see "arts" and "crafts" as inseparable. "Arts" refers to the inspiration, vision or idea of our creation; "crafts" refers to the skills and knowledge to render the creation into a form that can be appreciated by another person. Everything we are doing involves both arts and crafts to varying degrees. For a painter, for example, the vision of the painting is the art; the brushstroke is a craft, although the development of technique and the brushstroke has been artistic.
What is the last book you read?
The last book I have read was "Atlas Shrugged". |
