By Jen Smerdon
Published September 2002
Craft as Art, Craft as Work, Craft as Function. Craft as Skill. Paperkrӓf, All people recognize the pleasure gained from producing a work of art that is useful. The Working Centre’s newest project is a place where beautiful and functional items are created – a place where people can work together learning and sharing their skills and program where people learn to produce things for themselves. Through this interested individuals can contribute to the community in a creative way.
Our ideas are not new, mirrored by individuals from times past. Eric Gill was a respected artist in the early 20th century. He was a sculptor, engraver and typographer, and outspoken about artistic values and its impact on society. Around 1918, Gill assisted in the formation of the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic – a quasi-religious craft community. His practical typefaces Perpetua (1927) and Gill Sans (1928) are still in use today. In 1928, Gill established his own printing works at Speen in Buckinghamshire.
Gill recognized that ‘Art’ was often viewed as elitist, with ‘Craft’ considered the working man’s trade, but recognized that in his own craft fine art was being created. Gill valued the work and creativity that all society could offer. Eric acknowledged that there was a void left by fine art when he said “Art is not for the sake of art. Art is for people and is an expression of people. Art is the work of making things people need and use to make life good, and seeing those things one is pleased and there is pleasure and enjoyment.” He valued the work that every person did, working with hands and heart.
Catholic Worker artist Ade Bethune also portrayed the meaningful and creative life that Eric Gill was speaking of. Ade came to The Catholic Worker in 1933 and complimented its work with her strong and insightful illustrations in their monthly newspaper. She understood the themes that she drew, however, were not rooted in her artistic training. Ade lived what she portrayed in her illustrations, work, faith, hope and humanity.
New Directions
From the start a general crafts area on the second floor was include in plans for 43 Queen. The idea was to host a creative venture that would encompass shared learning, creativity and self-sufficiency. After a few trials of hosting various craft afternoons, we recognized the need to focus on a single craft, a place where people could share and develop their skill. Out of this, Paperkrӓf is the craft of paper. Primarily we’re focusing on making handmade paper, marbling, and other paper related crafts such as book binding and screen printing.
Paperkrӓf, along with Recycle Cycles and Computer Recycling, is housed on the second floor of The Working Centre’s 43 Queen St. S. location. Initially these projects were kept separated in terms of their own activities and public hours. Over time it has become clear that these community tools are more lively when more than one activity takes place. These projects flourish in an atmosphere where people take an active, positive, and productive role.
Paperkrӓf was fortunate to receive funding for a student this summer, Elena Christy. Elena describes some of her goals as ‘developing the physical craft space, creating programming, recruiting volunteers and developing a product line’. She hosted 7 workshops for both adults and children in July and August. These workshops offer the opportunity for people to make and marble paper, and the request for workshops are still coming in. We’ve begun to envision and engage interested people in Paperkrӓf. It will be a creative and supportive place in which people can:
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Generate a small income by making paper for themselves
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Participate in an activity that allows for the creative expression as well as the opportunity to create something beautiful to share with others
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Create local, good quality, and affordable handmade paper products
Elena reflects on her time in Paperkrӓf this summer and looks optimistically at its future noting, “Over the summer it has become apparent to me that the possibilities with paper are endless. Almost every person that has stopped by to make or marble paper has been taken by the amount of creativity and different techniques that can go into making one sheet of paper. It is a very unique, peaceful yet still very exciting process. In virtually every workshop marbling a piece of paper became a collective experience. People were not only excited by how their own work turned out but would marvel at others’ work as well.”
Paperkrӓf is a place where you can try something creative, create something beautiful, and share your talents with others. Come and join us in the craft of making paper. Check The Working Centre’s monthly calendar or call us at 749-9177 ext. 238 to find out how you can get involved.
