I have decided to revel in being a couch potato. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to engage with craft, it just means I'm going to consume it from my sofa.
A recent social media post suggested that we all take time for ‘stillness and creativity’ and I couldn’t agree more. There's a plethora of online activities; fitness classes, making, dance. Far from helping my wellbeing, I feel overwhelmed by all this activity.. Rather than add to this noise, this rush to be present online, New Brewery Arts has decided not to produce online videos or classes at the moment. To be honest, we don’t currently have the resources to do this, besides, there is so much great stuff out there already.
Personally, I’m loving watching craft on TV. On BBC (or via IPlayer) there’s the simply wonderful Repair Shop every Wednesday evening, the Secrets of the Museum which explores the work behind the scenes at the V&A, and now there is the new How to Make with Zoe Laughlin from the Institute of Making; Episode 1 was all about the science, history, future, craft and design of the trainer. And you can re-watch the latest series of the Great Pottery Throwdown via Channel 4’s All Four. Grayson Perry will be starting an Art Club on Channel 4, he’s inviting you to send him images of what you are making #C4ArtClub . The first episode is 8pm, 16th April on Channel 4.
When I’ve had too much TV I’ll read. I have several books that I’ve yet to find the time to read. I’m going to start with ‘The Craftsman’ by Richard Sennett. I’ve been drumming-up interest in a #CraftBookClub via Twitter. My plan is that over the next 12 weeks I’m suggesting four craft books to read; if anybody else wants to read along too I’d be delighted, and we can discuss what we’ve been reading online. Let’s start with ‘Fewer, Better Things’ by Glenn Adamson.
“Things matter. So why are we losing touch with them? Fewer, Better Things invites us to reconnect with the physical world and its objects.”
Many local bookshops are selling online. The Yellow Lighted Bookshop is a a local favourite who have recently launched online, selling to get us all through lock-down and beyond.
And when I can’t keep my eyes open for TV or reading there’s still podcasts to listen to without having to leave the sofa. There are 30 episodes of Material Matters to listen to, hosted by writer and critic Grant Gibson. Material Matters features in-depth interviews with a variety of designers, makers and artists about their relationship with a particular material or technique. There’s an episode with Glenn Adamson talking about Fewer, Better Things.
Maybe in a few weeks' time I’ll feel like being creative, but reading, listening and watching TV is more than enough for me right now.
Beth Alden, CEO
beth@newbreweryarts.org.uk