In 2018, I started a book project, and blogged an introduction here. But, after beating the digital pavement for a publisher, and finding none, I went onto other things.
Well, now a publisher is interested, and the contract negotiations nearly done. Here is my updated (long-form) elevator speech, and I'd appreciate thoughtful comments:
What if the meaning of life was simple? What if we could find it in making useful and beautiful objects for each other?
After all, toolmaking is the hallmark of our species. Our most-ancient ancestors made them over 3 millions years ago. Modern human tool use exploded 300,000 years ago. Today, we have industrial robots that weld parts for space rockets. The making and use of tools is in our bones, so to speak, and core to our success as a species.
You may say “Now wait a minute. I find making things frustrating and difficult. I can’t make anything good.” You’re not alone.
Social evolution and industrialization have estranged us from our hands, and many of us scarcely know what they’re capable of. But if you are human, you are wired to make beautiful and useful things. It’s in your nature, baked in over millions of years. You can learn the great satisfaction that comes from mastering valuable skills. Making things for each other is the essential act of kindness that has helped us thrive thrive as a species. It can help us thrive as individuals.
Handmade Purpose: The Power of Workmanship in the Digital Age is about finding an enduring sense of thriving in life by developing your fundamental nature as a maker.
This book shows you how to master workmanship, opening the creative process, in anything and everything you make.
It’s about how easy it can be — making for humans is like flying for a bird or swimming for a fish.
It’s about the joy of learning to make, the delights discovery and problem solving.
It’s about the rich, joyous feeling that comes with saying “I made that,” when what you have made is useful and beautiful.
When we listen to what our hands can do, and make something for someone we love — a meal, a song, a sweater, even a set of chairs or a whole house — magic happens.
It’s about the simple joy of being human.
Strother Purdy is an almost-academic, a lifetime woodworker, a writer of three other books, a teacher, a father of two, a husband to one, a motorcycling enthusiast, and planter of googly eyes on random advertisements.
For any deep divers, some more thoughts on craftsmanship are here.
--Thanks to Paul Hochman for some much needed editing!
Almost? Pshaw! You are!!
Posted by: Alex | July 29, 2022 at 02:56 AM