Mental Gridlock

My next scheduled post on the Slow Cloth list is the topic of Beauty. I was all rarin' to go on it last week, and e-mailed someone with a very popular and charming blog about using one of her photos. Though she said yes, she was so curt and unappreciative about it that the photo's beauty was diminished for me, and I no longer want to use it. There are other beautiful images to choose from, but it derailed me, so here I am a week later. The topic of beauty is coming, and in the meantime, in the words of the walrus, let's talk of many things.

I've had a sense of mental gridlock with this blog lately. I want to write about so many things, but it seems now as if it should be two separate blogs -- one on sustainable and organic textiles, clothing, and companies (that would probably replace the dormant Organic Confidential), and a second for art, craft, culture, and the Slow Cloth concept. What do you think? That would mean two new blog names -- there actually is another Red Thread Studio, and in any case, I think that name is no longer quite right for the me of today, rather than the me of some years ago when I first heard the legend of the red thread.

On the green side of things: My report, The International Market for Sustainable Apparel, was published; you can read the press release here and the abstract and table of contents here. These reports sell to businesses for alarming amounts of money, but have no fear, the money goes to the publisher, not me (though I was paid to write it and grateful for it!). It's out of the price range for individuals, but if you have specific questions I am more than happy to answer them and recommend other resources that are accessible. In any case, I hope it may help in my search for the right work.

Sadly, one of the most innovative and risk-taking sustainable apparel companies folded this week, unable to secure enough financing. NAU was trying to achieve very high levels of aesthetic beauty, high performance, and sustainable materials and production, all packaged in a Slow Fashion design philosophy, but they may not have been flashy enough for today's standards. There is a long way to go in this market, despite the indisputable successes and media attention of 2007.

And then the NY Times had a silly article about Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line, in which nothing sells for more than $8.98, but of course they claim there are no sweatshops involved because the factories are monitored. By whom? According to whose standards? How often? I think the reporter failed to do the job on this story, as he keeps asking how clothes can be made at this price but never really answers the question. And it's a good question. I'm not sure it's possible without some exploitation of resources and/or people.

On the art and craft side, I found the True Stitches blog, another kindred spirit. I especially loved her post about the level of critique on craft blogs and the unspoken rule that you can't ever say you don't like something. I'm so glad someone spoke up about this. I'd much rather have someone respond honestly to my work than just tell me it's great all the time. As I said in my comment to this post, aren't we smart enough and tough enough for real dialogue? I'm a marshmallow underneath my curmudgeonly exterior, but as long as it's not a personal attack, I'm fine with people not liking everything I do and with collaborative process and conversation.

Finally, thanks to Judy Martin, who linked to me on her wonderful Judy's Journal blog (she has more than one, actually, with very intriguing and inspiring work), and welcome to new readers coming here through Judy. I love connecting to all these Canadians, as I am Canadian-born, though raised in the U.S.,  and just may end up back there or somewhere else if the election doesn't bring some new hope to this country. And off topic, I know (or maybe it's not,  but that's another post) but don't even get me started on more news this week about horrific acts of violence and abuse toward women and children. Surely we can do better.

Tomorrow -- back to art and fabric and beauty. Thank you for coming by, and for your patience with me with this long post, and the time between posts. I'd like to be posting daily, with more pictures, and I'm working on it.

Comments

[arlee]

How about "ReadThread" then? or Re(a)dThread? :}

Sorry to hear about the snarkies from someone you contacted-----some of them it seems just take for granted that you admire them, and don't have to thank you in any form for your adulation....

As for criticisms rather than kudos when commenting, i'd rather say nothing, having been through some wars when i first started blogging--some were phenomenally nasty (kept private, but STILL)---i also stop commenting when "me too it's beautiful" love is all there is--- after 23 compliments what can you say that means anything? And i certainly stop commenting when the person keeps doing the same thing over and over and over and everyone STILL does the me too thing......growth please?

Hmm, someone must have peed in my cornflakes this morning. Apologies!
I enjoy reading you and hope you will keep it as one blog.

[arlee]

Tried to email this to you, but not working:
http://torontocraftalert.blogspot.com/2008/05/exhibitions-pleasure-purpose-at-occ.html
An interesting take on art vs craft's dead horse, and a show i wish i could see.

[jude]

yes i am with you on the shallow comment thing, but sometimes i feel that it is the only way people connect. sometimes i think it should be the artists responsibility to try to pull the dialog in a bit. i have been thinking about blogger responsibility lately.
2 blogs sounds ok if you can handle it.

[beadbabe49]

I would like two blogs since the slow craft posts are the ones I stop by for...but only if you feel comfortable doing two. I'd rather not lose you to burn out!

[truestitches]

Thanks for the link to my blog! What a nice surprise as I came to visit you via Spirit Cloth Quilting. I like the thoughtfulness and depth of your writing, best wishes to you in figuring out what form you want your new postings to take.