Jan 26, 2012 0
Friends,
I’ve moved servers and decided to put this blog here:
Please make any necessary changes. Things should be setup such that old requests for /mrkraftdoeslife should redirect to their new locations.
Much love,
_S
Dec 13, 2011 0
y something is achieved, performed, or furthered; one used by another as a means or aid : dupe, tool
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“A tool addresses human needs by amplifying human capabilities.” ~ Bret Victor
The instrument, the tool, is just that. How much of my attention has been paid focusing on tools instead of the craft? Time spent deliberating over which tool to use when the content of the creation had not yet emerged or its quality had been neglected. Is this time wasted, or is the pursuit to satisfy curiosity and genuine interest, worthwhile?
The turntables do not make the DJ.
While I surely value tools and am not in any way discounting them or their makers, I wish to examine my personal view of these things. Furthermore, I wish for this examination to manifest into affecting how I choose to use my attention and focus. More on the art, and employing the right tool for the right circumstance. Simply. I am grateful for having developed a diligence for learning about tools and their proper usage and care, and aim to apply this when needed. However I wish to devote a larger portion of my energy into the art at hand, instead of pouring my energy and time into mentally masturbating about objects.
Pots and pans do not make the food delicious.
Not alone, am I. But there are surely artists and makers whose perspectives come from another side. Meeting these people in the past stirred something within me, and I am now more clearly able to see what they were illuminating. In prompting them about which tools they were using, I received a response that implied the insignificance of the tool in comparison to the creation itself. The photographer has vision, and inspiration. An image she wishes to compose and capture. To accomplish this, she needs a tool that performs adequately in the conditions at hand. My personal vantage point for so long has been with an interest more in the tool, its mechanics, handling characteristics, performance specifications, history and reputation, and often its aesthetics.
“Buy cheap, buy twice.”
On quality, I have learned that another way to save time and mental energy is to go ahead and acquire something high quality, trusted, and in good working order. The time spent dealing with a situation where the tool is underperforming is wasteful, as is the money one might shell out to purchase the right tool after the inadequate one fails. Poor quality tools also can produce lower quality results. Life is just too short to be wasted using the wrong tool for the job.
“Two hands, one tool.”
Arguably, the best tools are our very own mitts, that are so often neglected and under-appreciated.
Dec 12, 2011 0
An example of one month’s travel history for you. I slept in the following locations at the noted dates:
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Nov 18, 2011 0
The working conditions, entirely different from those encountered by most Westerners. The everyday challenges, similarly dissimilar. The nature of the work itself being one shared by many; production. While some in land-based trades are in a position to work in various levels of natural settings, the outdoors were impossible to ignore. Living outside, also in the place of work, forced development of an intimacy with the elements, moon cycles, day length, cloud coverage and precipitation. Not one of the above characteristics would cause a stir of judgement from anyone, save for the fact that the product has dissonance with some in the current state of our culture. Enshrouded in lore, mystery, and secrecy, we did ordinary and unexceptional work that has been done for thousands of years. Those who come to participate in this seasonal activity, hand-picked, and by invitation only, are people. Everyday humans. While the nature, setting, challenges and the trade itself are surely unique, because this work takes place outside of the frame of the society’s traditional guidelines, typical rules, roles, taboos and traditionally ‘improper work behaviors’ fall quickly by the wayside. This yields to a refreshing environment where communication is unfettered, and people are in a space conducive to being themselves. Dress codes are defined by one’s creativity and limited only by one’s own comfort within the weather and conditions presented to us in nature. There is rarely a need to leave the property, and without commutes or off-campus dining opportunities, the group quickly bonded, working together to create and share food, and often living spaces. Here, needs can be questioned along with their relativity. Mental stamina, flexibility and social sensitivity are all important qualities that if are not present before the work began, are cultivated quickly. Music, philosophy, flavors and stories are all shared here. True colors reveal themselves quickly. I am grateful for the experience itself, and for the genuine warmth and support from those who I lived with.
Oct 27, 2011 2
It is always difficult for me to tell people ‘what I do’. There are so many activities that I engage in… Anyways, onto the themes.
Oct 27, 2011 0
9.15.2011
Amtrak. ROC->BOS
I’m traveling, carrying multiple food items with me, including:
Oct 14, 2011 1
At this point in the story that I am identifying as my life, there is an abundance of choice and opportunity. It might be one of the best problems to have, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging.
What do you really want? Truly and ultimately what do you want? If you don’t have the answer, than what are you really doing anyhow?
_S
Oct 14, 2011 0
I have nothing to say and so much that I could say at the same time.
_S
