Seeking Authenticity

First of all, I've learned that none of the category links are working in my Categories sidebar. I've e-mailed Typepad and hope to hear from them soon. You can still access older posts through the Archives list.

Thinking back on the posts and discussions about Slow Cloth, I'm wondering this morning if Authentic Cloth -- along with authentic art, design and fashion --  isn't a better name for the genre and process I'm trying to delineate.

The idea of authenticity encompasses all the qualities but doesn't get derailed by arbitrary concerns about how long it takes to finish a project. What do you think?

In some ways I think authenticity is the defining quality that people are looking for today. It's what's driving every powerful and progressive movement in our world today -- toward philanthropy, sustainability, creativity, integrity in business, even the huge wave of young change-makers supporting Barack Obama, and certainly the wave of young women (and men) rediscovering textile art and craft.

It has to do with an intense, if unnamed, desire for truth, integrity, community. It's intangible, but it's real. When I look at the things that seekers of truth, beauty and meaning gravitate to, and the road I've walked through my life -- aligning myself with art, music, yoga, spirituality, organic foods, love, creativity, textiles -- a search for authenticity is at the core. Now, inevitably a coarser, cheaper, dumbed-down, commercialized version of every movement materializes, as ideas enter the mainstream. But it's the difference between visionary and victim -- those who create and imagine, and those who imitate, commodify and consume.

Authentic Cloth also encompasses both individual textile artists and clothing and textile designers and companies. I sometimes wonder if I'm trying to cover too much ground here, and should somehow limit or focus my interests under the large textile umbrella. Other days I think I'm completely on the right track and I just need to figure out what to do with my ideas, how to take them seriously and to the next level, whatever that is. And then, of course, I also want to be being an artist and making art, and then there's the whole making a living issue; I've got good freelance projects but it's a lot to juggle, so I'm still looking for a new Real Job.  I know many of you share these challenges.

In any case, I'm enormously grateful to everyone who comes by and reads this blog, and the comments have been so very positive and welcome. Thank you!

Comments

[Deb Fair]

Although I also like the concept of authenticity, I agree with Laurie and Paula that there is just something about "slow cloth" that captures what we're trying to get at. Integrity, authenticity, excellence in craftsmanship, community, all of these and more are encompassed (again, like slow food). There's probably no perfect term, but I'm still liking slow cloth, even as I debate over whether to machine or handstitch a quilt I'm starting.
Sometimes I think it has to do with how and by whom the piece will be used. Yet it should always be done authentically. Keep working on this and keeping us talking about it!

[Paula Hewitt]

I agree with Laurie - slow does imply a focus on time. As with the slow food movement -people think it is about how long it takes to cook - not that it was 'slow food' opposed to 'fast food'. perhaps if instead of 'fast food' they used 'junk food' the slow food movement would have been called 'authetic food' - in some ways it is just semantics, but semantics can be important. I dont think it is as important what it is called, as long as the message gets out there.... even though a lot of people misinterpreted sharonb's initial post about your blog- it got a lot of people writing and talking and thinking, and thats a good thing - at least some of these people 'got it'.keep up the good work!

[Laurie]

I love the idea of Slow Cloth, but you're right that the words imply a focus on time. I try to explain it at Slow Food tables all the time.

It's a little hard for me to exercise patience with the folks whose first question about my work is "how long did it take you?" My answers vary, but the truth is that time is the last thing on my mind if I am in my creative zone. My general answer is along the lines of XX years (whatever my age is) but if I'm not in the mood to come back to the question, "No, seriously. How long?" I make something up.

It's not that I don't realize the importance of time to artists who "do" art for a living, but it's not important to me and it gets in the way if I begin to pay attention to it.

On the other hand, a button sewn on a tea bag could take five minutes and be fabulous.

Yes, authentic cloth. But the words "Slow Cloth" are so attractive!

[Tricia]

Authentic cloth... yes, you somehow seem able to express thoughts that ring true with others wondering... and in my case struggling to put into words our thoughts on 'slow cloth'... thank you

[Harmony]

I like authentic cloth...it seems to better encapsulate what it is you seem to be focusing on... it somehow seems more positive than slow cloth, even though I agree that speed is part of our problem both individually and as a species/culture. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

I have personally be resonating with the word thoughtful as of late...

[jude]

it is interesting how you are finding a path to further shed light on this slow cloth subject. authenticity implies a reality that i like. i too have been questioning what exactly it is that defines how i distinguish the value of a process. as always thank you for your thoughts and links!