"If you're not prepared to be wrong you will never come up with anything original"

Friday, November 30, 2012

Shopclass as Soulcraft

If I were to become a trades worker I think I would have to choose becoming a construction worker. Not on roads or things like that, but to build houses. Frankly, I couldnt exactjy see myself pursuing a career in the trades but if it camedown to it this is what I would pick. As a construction worker I would be able to be outdoors and also working on homes. I really enjoy the process of creating a home, from architectural design to interior design (both careers I see as possibilities for myself).

How does the author suggest we determine the value of our work?

The author of "Shopclass as Soulcraft"suggests we measure the value of our work by usefulness. I agree with the author in many of his assertions that often times trades workers can be more useful than ultra-wealthy cubicle workers. However, I found more value in the authors concession statement that for some people, knowledge jobs are more fufilling. This leads me to believe that part of the usefulness the author is discussing is happiness, or a sense of accomplishment for the worker. Also, part of this idea of usefulness, if it is connected to happines is also connected to the happiness of others. So, like Smitty said, directing reality TV may not solve a problem or further workers' knowledge like a mechanic, there is a shread of usefulness still applicable to the dumber parts of the entertainment industry because of the happiness they bring people, whether or not it is the best form of entertainment around.
The other key message I took away from the reading was the idea of self-sufficiency. Obviously not everyone can be completely self-sufficient but the value of having multiple abilities, even if they have not been mastered, is important. If a specialized worker has some ability to use his or her hands to complete a task separate from their profession there is not only value in that because they are able to solve more everyday problems but also there is more of a connection to the world around them and more respect for people of other professions. Lastly, the more skilled workers are in the United States, or the more people that are willing to learn to have a skill, the fewer jobs will be sent overseas.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

transition period

The lion is done as of about one hour ago... Thank god. I like the way it turned out overall. Bob gave me my favorite critique response - that it's a self portrait. And he's right... About a third of my way through my piece I started thinking of it as just that. That, and I thought it would look cool. A little cartoony and the color, pattern, and subject matter were the focus. Result? Acceptable. Happy about the self portrait. There's a bunch of pictures of the process that I hope to post soon.. But here's the final!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

it just hit me

Who wants to be a flag?
FINALLY!
Inspiration has hit me.
Two projects combined.
I can tell this is the idea for me because I just keep getting more inspirations and my mind can't stop thinking about this project.
Election? Yes, I may HATE it, but I have an incredible idea.

Get ready to be patriotic :)


I promise I'm not copying you Emma