The Battles in Crafting

"That really is Crafting 101."  For many people, not knowing the full curriculum of Crafting 101, which I've never seen listed in any course catalogues, wouldn't be a serious matter.  We don't know but we get it but we get by in life, somehow.  For the contestants on the new tv show "Craft Wars," however, it's a serious matter and a terrible failing.  The shame must have been great for the person to whom the judge spoke those words.  How could you come back from something like that?

TLC describes its new show as follows:

"TLC is about to turn crafting on its head. Long gone are the days where crafting solely referred to a world of quaint tea cozies and popsicle stick bird houses. Today, there is a strong movement of crafters taking this beloved hobby and transforming it into an extreme art form. Now, for the first time ever, TLC has assembled these craft virtuosos for a knock-down, drag-out fight for supremacy."

I hadn't realized that things had gotten so serious.  And nasty.  While indeed the world may only need so many tea cozies and bird houses, there are many other beautiful items that talented people create, apparently without feeling a need to prove themselves through full-scale battles.  Maybe there's more going on than I see but the artists I know who do rug hooking, visual art, photography, furniture restorartion, and quilting seem to express the best of themselves through their art without a need to fight for superiority.  They each add beauty to the world in their unique way.  I'm so grateful that they do.

I guess competition is interesting to watch.  Maybe the show will do well.  I don't know, though, that it will have much connection to the beautiful work already being created by so many people.  While the contestants on the show may be talented people too, I doubt that their involvement will spur them to produce their creative best.  Hopefully it will be harmless and maybe it will lead to some viewers getting in touch with their own creativity.  Maybe then they will find themselves engaging in activities more fulfilling than watching people engage in "knock-down, drag-out" battles over crafts. 

I suppose another potential upside to this show is that people like me may be able to benefit in the crafting world.  While my talents in that area are not strong, I can be ferocious and would be willing to fight to win the $10,000 price.  My participation on the show wouldn't add beauty to the world but it would provide some entertainment.  And, rather sadly, I think that's all the producers are really looking for after all.  Stay tuned for my episode!

JAHD