Volume 1: Finding the Meaning in Making

The one thing that ties makers of different trades, crafts, and skills is the ability to transform thought, or an idea into something tangible.

With the plight the current pandemic has brought the world to, makers from all walks of life have found themselves either finding more meaning in what they make, questioning the significance of what they create, or not having the desire to make anything at all. It varies, depending on how a maker relates to their craft. And the factors brought about by context produces all sorts of complex situations. But we all return to the desire to create. The intention behind it, and the method, or outcome may change, but we return.

Through the arduous process of sheltering in place, the traits of independence and self-sufficiency have become more valued. Social inequalities have heightened in contrast, revealing where we may stand. Access to resources has become more challenging for a number of us. Communities have formed, almost overnight—support systems, groups of amplified voices speaking out on current events. How does this affect us, as makers? Is this how we still identify? Who do we become in the face of such forces?

We all cope in different ways. But without knowing it, we still create. We begin conversations, we do our part in building back economies. We create systems of safety, for ourselves, and for our communities.

There is nothing makers are more familiar with, than with beginning.

This pandemic has changed the world as we know it. What do we want to create?

This volume–as we piece it together–we hope, will capture and amplify the voices of makers who have weathered, and are fighting still—for the reasons to create, for the opportunity to make. We hope the stories we tell will inspire, and will help draw out a beginning–whether it’s finding wonder in the natural materials around us, or finding joy with a newfound craft, or discovering a spark of inspiration–one with lights to guide the way for the hands that hold the ability to create.