[Baren]: The mailing list / discussion forum for woodblock printmaking. Baren Digest Monday, 5 October 1998 Volume 05 : Number 302 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Steiner Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 00:54:23 +0900 Subject: [Baren 1801] making sense, hopefully from Richard Steiner/Kyoto Graham: thank you for taking the time to prod me into clarifying what I wrote in BarenForum recently regarding professionalism. Let's take this point by point, starting with your first question, "What does the number of prints.....got to do with professionals?" Setting aside the instance when a professional woodblock printer may want to do (for 5 special, close friends, say) or be commissioned to do only 5 prints, being a pro means that he or she has accepted wholeheartedly the, can I say, tradition of printing at least tens if not hundreds of prints during each project; that he or she, being a pro, depends on the sale of prints for their livelihood ("Engaged in a specific activity as a source of livelihood", Am. Heritage Dict.); and on a personal note, that being in love with the craft so much that after having spent all the time necessary to design and carve, wanting to print up a large body of works as his or her "reward." Perhaps I misunderstood what they wrote for some kind of dilettantism; obviously, it didn't sound to me like professionalism. My reference to Toshi's printer also importantly implied something of his attitude towards printing, not only his superior techniques but also his own love for what he was doing, his focused attention to the task at hand. I couldn't find the same sort of quality in the words written by the two individuals who discussed printing only 5 prints, or not going beyond 15 because of boredom. (I do not remember who they are nor have I kept a copy of their Baren messages; this is unfortunate, I see now.) To those two gentlemen, I do sincerely offer my apologies if I hurt them somehow, tho it has been, so far, only you, Graham, who has responded to what I wrote. I apologize, I did not intend to hurt, but I most certainly did mean to speak my mind forthrightly on a subject I know a great deal about. This brings me to your next paragraph, "...certainly not a pro.....nor in keeping with the spirit of Baren." Well, let's throw out the first half as having been taken care of already, and look at this spirit thing. The BarenForum is nothing if it is not a place where people can speak out boldly (but with no flame) on what they deeply feel. A mild-mannered exchange of half-hearted opinions tenuously held is not what David Bull intended, I am sure. While I may, Graham, shout occasionally, and, thereby, appear menacing, believe me it is a mix of show, of posture, of a delight with the written word, and of some very deeply held convictions that run my life thru its paces. I said I am given to exaggeration. So be it. But if thereby, the target of my jabs can learn something of the real nature of woodblock printmaking, (not forgetting that Richard Steiner likes to shout), and incorporate it into their working habits and routine, how much the better for them and for the craft. Shall I call it passion, then? What is the meaning of any of our contributions to BarenForum if it is not to put forth our fervently believed ideas and experiences in the hope that they will benefit the others as they have benefited ourselves? Exchange of information, expansive communication, these are worthy hallmarks, aren't they? As for your closing sentence, I don't know what "slam dunked" means but from the contents I assume it means that I have insulted some of our members. As above, I apologize for that, hoping that what I said (and will no doubt write in the future if I get excited about something) will be taken for what it is worth, and the way I expressed it will be recognized as simply Steiner's awkward way of expressing himself. As it is, Dave contacted me immediately and gave me a quick lesson in proper writing style, which I will adhere to. As the Japanese love to say, Graham, when there is some difficultly during a business meeting: There seems to be a communication problem here. What is professionalism, then, Graham? Let's exchange opinions. I have taken the time to set things straight from my side; can I ask you to share your thoughts on this? This Fourm is for pros and new-comers alike, to learn of things they might not have known. I have gained good information by joining and intend on remaining a member. Steiner/Kyoto ------------------------------ From: Bill Ritchie Date: Sun, 04 Oct 1998 10:32:26 -0700 Subject: [Baren 1802] Re: making sense, hopefully I'm interrupting with an offer of another opinion, for I sense that this is not a private discussion between Richard Steiner and Graham Scholes. My opinion is that the word Professional is "owned" by the business, industry and economics world, and is foreign or alien to the arts, crafts and design world. People in arts, crafts and design use the word in the way it was intended to be used, which is to separate, divide, distribute, etc. as in "wealth" or "property." It is a kind of closure word, a word that enables people to organize themselves into classes, groups, categories, etc. and then play games--mostly having to do with economics, trade, protection and classifying. Anyone can discuss professions and, indeed, set up rules and then have orderly, impersonal conversations about any subject they choose. In my opinion, the word spirit is not owned by business, industry and commerce the way the word Profession is owned. Of course, a group of spiritual leaders could form the Universal Spirtual Leaders Association, but it would, in my opinion, move them into the industrial commercial realm. It wouldn't mean they'd lost their spiritual ties, either. It would simply mean that they could better explain things to newcomers and to each other. Like, imagine this: "We don't think you are charging enough for your spiritual services, Joe, so we're putting you on probation. It doesn't do the profession well to offer your services for such low rates." Also, a professional artist gets into trouble if they give away or destroy their art and everyone knows about it. If a printmaker carves a block for three years--off and on--and then never prints it, or only prints one, or prints a hundred with no two alike, they are unprofessional. It's simply messy and confusing, takes up everyone's time with a non-issue. Whereas the offender is probably very happy with having carved, meditated on the spirit of carving, the wood spirits, the now-dead tree spirit (?) and reading Baren_List from time to time. I think as long as people do not expect professional and spiritual issues to mix nicely in every sistuation, there should be no quarrels. Quarrels are fun, too, if it's all for fun and in some way a good sport. It might create a new idea for one person--or millions. Thanks to everyone who read this far! - - Bill ------------------------------ From: Graham Scholes Date: Sun, 4 Oct 1998 20:28:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Baren 1803] Re: making sense, hopefully Richard wrote.... >What is professionalism, then, Graham? Let's exchange opinions. I have two exhibitions coming up.. One next weekend and another at a Gallery in Victoria 4 weeks later. This as you can understand does not give me much time to spend at the computer. However once this is over and in the coarse of events this subject will surely be touched on, Thank you Graham ------------------------------ End of Baren Digest V5 #302 ***************************