Friday, February 13, 2009

Handmade Nation NY Premier!


Our trip to New York to see Handmade Nation was exhausting but very fun. Ashley (shown above waiting for the film to start) and I did so much chatting and walking yesterday that I had sore muscles and a gravelly voice this morning. After a four hour bus ride, we spent the next few hours walking around semi-aimlessly then had a frustrating time heading in the wrong direction on the subway.

Thankfully, we made it to the premier at the Museum of Art and Design on time. I am so glad that Ashley thought to buy our tickets beforehand because they were sold out when we arrived. The place was really bustling and everyone seemed so cheerful and excited about seeing this film. Once seated, we scanned the crowd for crafty celebrities. We recognized Julie of Your Secret Admiral, Danielle of Precious Pups, Christy of A. Bardis, Andrew Wagner from American Craft and Jenine of Jenine Bressner Fireworks. We also found out later that the woman seated behind us was Micaela O'Herlihy who did the filming for Handmade Nation. Neat! I probably would have traveled all the way to New York just to be in such good company! I found I was very curious about all the unidentified attendees. I suspect that every person in the audience was a maker of some kind and I wanted a profile (with links) floating above the heads of everyone seated around me.

The film was paired with a panel discussion led by Callie Janoff with Mandy Greer, Kate Bingaman-Burt and the director, Faythe Levine. The panel was full of infectious enthusiasm and I found myself smiling through the whole thing. The audience was allowed a few good questions (and one that made me secretly wish for a blow dart) and the second that the panel was over, we had to rush away to catch our bus home. I wish we could have lingered for a bit and mingled.

I am still glowing from the experience because the film and the atmosphere of the event was so joyful and optimistic. I relished being shown that my solitary crafting pursuits are part of something special and that the silly things I make are important on some level.

8 comments:

Mitsy / ArtMind said...

How exciting that must have been! I think I would be in a permanent state of giddyness! :) I like the idea of little floating profiles a lot! :)

Sarah and Jon said...

How exciting!

Christine said...

Your shop / blog and it's followers is already an indication that your crafting pursuits are part of something special a-n-d your items ARE important on MANY levels. But I guess it makes a difference when you hear it from 'professions in the field' :o) It sounds like you had a great day.

Paz said...

Hi there! Just came across your blog via doing a Handmade Nation premiere search. Now I have bookmarked you! Anyway, I am on my way today to see this premiere in NYC. Cant wait. Sounded great.

Your Secret Admiral said...

Hi there,

I wish I had gotten to meet you at the Handmade Nation premiere. At least it sounds like you had as much fun as I did!

Cheers,
Julie
Y.S.A.

adesignaffair said...

I love your posting--and can relate to feeling inspired, excited for the viewing (while I sat at work all day), and walked away happily knowing 'creating' makes a difference in the world. Also supporting local friends, crafters, and the community, especially now.

Shona~ LALA dex press said...

I can't wait to be able to see this. I am nowhere near any of the screenings, so I'll have to wait for DVD or some other means.

MarmeeCraft said...

How exciting and what fun!! I am looking forward to seeing this!