Handmade Nation: The Rise Of DIY, Art, Craft, And Design (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
This is the book form to the documentary. However, I have not seen the documentary so I cannot make a proper comparison. This book is great to learn more about how young women are turning their passions into art and creating a business out of it. It's a great peak into the indie craft network in the States. The graphics are lovely and there are several essays on a bit of the history of what they call the indie craft movement. I wish it had more history and criticism but perhaps it wasn't really the right platform seeing as it was the companion book to the documentary. So, I hope they come out with another anthology with more interviews with artists/crafters, more history lessons and more criticism. Yes, please. Editorial ReviewsThe Ambassador Of Handmade, The New York Times:"Their energy is infectious, which is why I call D.I.Y. the punk rock of the craft world." — Penelope Green (September 4, 2008)Handmade Nation Documentary Begins Screening This Month, Paste Magazine:"Levine's subjects are independent-minded folks who've taken up DIY mantle passed down from generations gone by, valuing the handmade over mass-produced and craft over convenience. Some members of the crafty crew will also host a number of talks and lectures at colleges and community centers, with a few other stops scheduled to promote the film's companion book, also titled Handmade Nation." — Rachael Maddux (January 16, 2009)Salt Lake Underground:"Levine gives us just enough to get your interest peaked and makes you want to blaze your own trail of entrepreneur fame." — Meg Griggs (December, 2008)Girl On Film, ReadyMade:"independent artists, crafters, and shop owners of all stripes - from avant-garde embroiderers to designers of books, calendars, and eco-friendly shoes." — Valerie RainsCommunity Of Craft, Shepherd Express:"The tools are familiar: embroidery hoop, needle and thread. Its the concept that rocks.Niftily divided into five geographical segments, the book showcases Milwaukees J.W. – Melissa Buchanan, who pump out punkish silk-screen prints that would make your grandma shriek. " — Judith Ann Moriarty (October 29, 2008)The Needle And The Damage Undone, I.D. :"(Handmade Nation) offers a simple message and pleasure. Levine and Heimerl and their makers are saying, in essence, dont stop beading necklaces when you get your first job. Beading is your first job. And while youre at it let your freak flag fly. But do make sure that youve put that flag together yourself, and only out of recycled sweaters." — Alissa Quart (January/February, 2009)Indie Filmmaker Weaves Creativity And Rebellion, Los Angeles Times:"The movements effect on mass culture may seem inevitable, but Levine also hopes to capture the intellectually provocative character of the artists and how they use craft to create awareness about social issues." — Valli Herman (July, 2008)A Nation Of Crafters, Publishers Weekly :"The community captured in both book and film has played no small part in the expansion of the crafts books category in recent years. Some have questioned whether the demand for such books can remain at current levels, but Levine observes that while fads come and go, the community has a life of its own: I think it is important to acknowledge that DIY may be a trend, but it's also a lifestyle choice for a lot of people, and is not going away anytime soon." — Gwenda Bond (August 11, 2008)The Morning News:"In our heavily industrialized civilization, we have rightly placed a great value on handmade, original one- or few-of-a-kind goods. For Handmade Nation: The Rise of D.I.Y., Art, Craft, and Design, which is the textual offshoot of a film project due for release next year, Faythe Levine criss-crossed the U.S.A., racking up 19,000 miles to interview and document dozens of artists, makers, crafters, and designers. In addition to photos of the makers, their work, their workshops, and their processes, the book includes essays by Andrew Wagner of American Craft magazine, Garth Johnson of Extreme Craft, Callie Janoff of The Church of Craft, Betsy Greer of Craftivism, and Susan Beal of Super Crafty.A crafty compendium of original creations, this charming books offers much to admireof both the makers and what they make. I am partial to Stephanie Syjucos clothing line, labeled simply Because Sweatshops Suck." — Robert Birnbaum (October 17, 2008)Craft Cast :"This is a must have book for all, whether you craft or not!Faythe traveled 19,000 miles across America documenting the emerging DIY community and the lifestyle they live based on creativity, determination and networking." — Alison Lee (October 16, 2008)Craft Services , Urban Outfitters :" #1 Craft Services - Urban Outfitters Interviews Faythe Levine – Courtney Heimerl (click here) " (January, 2008)Handmade Artist Documents A Movement, The Jewish Chronicle :"Faythe Levines life is all about creativity. Though she doesnt come off as a rebel, the 31-year-old Milwaukee artist, boutique/gallery owner and filmmaker has crafted her life according to her individual vision since she struck out on her own after high school." — Andrea Waxman (December 18, 2008)Book And Film Spotlight Independent Crafters Across The U.S., Seattle PI:"Today, Levine is known as "the ambassador of handmade" -- a title bestowed by The New York Times, to her chagrin -- and her DIY sensibilities run more to sock monkeys and craft fairs.Thanks to her upcoming film, "Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design," Levine has become a major voice in the new wave of craft, whose vibrant, break-the-rules sensibility has become a magnet for hip young women." — Cecilia Goodnow (January 8, 2009)Nylon Magazine:"If youve ever bought a scarf on Etsy, sold a shirt on Supermarket HQ, or set up shop at a local craft fair, then you are part of what Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl would call our handmade nation.And so are they. The crafty duo is behind the book Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design (and, for Levine, a documentary of the same name to be released in 2009). After travelling the country in search of the ultimate neo-Martha Stewarts, they chatted with NYLON about what it takes to become a master crafter." (November 4, 2008)Local Filmmaker's Diy Craft Documentary Captures An Exploding Scene, Decider Milwaukee:"As that model of frenzied economic activity seems to be self-destructing right before our very eyes, Handmade Nation encourages us to think small as we begin to re-imagine our roles as both consumers and producers. " — Michael Carriere (February 6, 2009)"Handmade Nation" Has Arrived. See It Thursday., On Milwaukee :"The 65-minute movie documents a movement of artists, crafters and designers that recognize a marriage between historical techniques, punk and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art.It includes interviews with more than 50 artists in 15 cities who explain how the new wave of craft, "forges a new economy, lifestyle and burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination and networking," says Levine, co-owner of Paper Boat Boutique – Gallery in Bay View and organizer of the yearly indie craft fair Art vs. Craft.A book by the same title, written with Milwaukee artist Cortney Heimerl, was published in October by Princeton Architectural Press." — Julie Lawrence (February 4, 2009)Journal Sentinel:"Levine has helped bring attention to the do-it-yourself craft movement through her book and film." — Mary Louise Schumacher (January 30, 2009)Sewing It Together, The Silhouette:"The book promotes all forms of art, and creates a sense of inclusivity between all artisans rather than setting divisions and categories. When you choose to make things on your own, Levine explains that you are supporting both creativity and self sufficiency. Handmade Nation succeeds in encouraging people to go out and learn something new, and the stories included are not only interesting, but inspiring as well. The book is informative, comprehensive, entertaining and would make a fantastic gift to anyone with an artistic side. With Levine writing this book as well as making a documentary, this could be the year for crafting. It will be interesting to see just where DIY is heading next." — Sarah El-Hamzawi (January 29, 2009)Craft – Arts, WNYC – BBC Brian Lehrer Show:"Faythe Levine, artist, photographer, filmmaker, curator and author of Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design (Princeton Architectural Press, 2008), and Callie Janoff, co-founder and New York City Minister of the Church of Craft, talk about the new craft movement that weds DIY and craft techniques with a punk aesthetic. The documentary Handmade Nation receives its New York debut at the Museum of Arts and Design this week. For more information and flash player you can listen at WNYC by clicking HERE" — Brian Lehrer (February 12, 2009)*Special Edition* Interview, Design*Sponge:"In 2006 faythe levine traveled the country, putting 19,000 miles under her belt and visiting 15 cities to document the new wave of craft in the usa. in 2007 the trailer hit the web and the buzz built around this film. in 2008 the companion book (co-authored with cortney heimerl), handmade nation: the rise of diy, art, craft and design hit shelves. on thursday handmade nation premiers stateside in milwaukee, wisconsin (home base for faythe and cortney) and next week makes its way to the museum of art and design in nyc. while one chapter ends, the next is just beginning. we couldnt let this labor of love go un-noticed, so lucky for us faythe and cortney agreed to take the time out of their incredibly busy schedules for an interview and insider look at the film and how it came to be. CLICK HERE for the full interview and behind the scenes images." — Anna Wolf (February 3rd, 2009)The Morning Blend, TMJ4 Television:"Handmade Nation documents the new wave of craft that is capturing the attention of the nation. Click HERE to watch the full interview." (February 4, 2009)WITI-FOX Channel 6:"(Handmade Nation) really looks at an artistic community in this country and in Milwaukee that is truly exploding. click HERE to watch the full interview with Courney Heimerl" (February 4, 2009)Watch This, Pink of Perfection Blog:"I could not resist posting the opening credits to Handmade Nation, it fills me with so much glee. The opening credits alone will make you so proud to be a creative, crafty person alive today. Doesnt it just make you want to create something? " — Sarah McColl (October 7, 2008)20 x 200 Newsletter:"Last week's New York City premiere of Handmade Nation, artist Faythe Levine's directorial debut, brought the fabulous Kate Bingaman-Burt to town for an all-too-brief visit. (She hand-drew the lettering for the documentary's awesome title sequence.) She saved me a seat at the screening, which was held at Museum of Arts – Design...Faythe, Kate and Megan have more in common than the fact that they're all totally badass, awesome, inspiring and intelligent women. They're also all involved in expanding the definition of what art is by employing and/or championing styles, subjects and techniques that we're more accustomed to seeing anywhere but a museum." — Jen Bekman (February 17, 2009)American Craft:"This past week, Faythe Levine, the creator of the much talked about Handmade Nation film blew through New York with her co-author Cortney Heimerl for the New York premiere of the movie. The accompanying book of the same name, published by Princeton Architectural Press, was released in November and had led to an air of anxiousness surrounding the film..." — Andrew Wagner (February 16, 2009)Best Art – Design Books 2008, Readings :"(Handmade Nation) looks at the current diversity and growth of making things by hand. The book profiles a range of American artists, crafters and designers who have embraced the traditional techniques with creative/radical new approaches, suitable to our times." — Margaret Snowdon (December, 2008)Label Networks:"Pool successfully tapped into the indie craft movement. For example, Faythe Levine, the legendary author of the book Handmade Nation was on site selling her book and showing previews of her new documentary on the subject. Other crafters from the felt world such as Ryn Rina, plus jewelry, scarves, and knitted apparel created an entirely new space at Pool that completely connected not only with the indie vibe of Pool, but the growing movement of crafting in general. " — Kathleen Gasperini (March 3, 2009)Common Threads, PBS:"C'mon, break out those knitting needles your grandma gave you. Across the country, resurgent interest in things handmade is redefining craft-making for the 21st century. Quilts are cutting-edge outlets for self-expression, and samplers carry messages of anti-consumerism, environmentalism and feminism. The work is not just beautiful: it's hip, it's political and it's a little punk rock. Click HERE to read the full feature on PBS online." — Molly Finnegan (March 3, 2009)I Spy D.I.Y., Thread Banger Video Blog:"A video interview from threadbanger video blog." (March 4, 2009)Flavor Pill:"First-time documentarian Faythe Levine traipsed across the US to stitch together insights into America's DIY community." — Tanya Feldman (March 3, 2009)Handmade Nation And The Rise Of Diy, Juxtapoz Magazine:"C'mon, break out those knitting needles your grandma gave you. Across the country, resurgent interest in things handmade is redefining craft-making for the 21st century, writes Molly Finnegan for PBS. Quilts are cutting-edge outlets for self-expression, and samplers carry messages of anti-consumerism, environmentalism and feminism. The work is not just beautiful: it's hip, it's political and it's a little punk rock.What is she talking about? The wildly popular film, Handmade Nation by Faythe Levine. click HERE to read the full review and watch an exclusive video clip" (March 9, 2009)Dane 101:"Madison isn't exactly a stranger to the DIY craft movement. Especially around the winter holidays, it's nearly impossible not to stumble across one craft fair or another, and several shops have come (and a few gone strictly online) onto the scene bearing a wide array of goods created by local artists.But these aren't your grandma's designs. Though most newly minted crafters will readily pay their respects to those who came before--people have been making things by hand since they first created tools, after all--this new generation of sewers, welders, gluers, collage makers, weavers, paper artists, and jewelers are all blazing trails uniquely their own, applying a sort of punk, indie ethos to it all." — Emily Mills (March 16, 2009)MX Magazine:"Being crafty has paid off for Faythe Levine. Her book Handmade Nation has become a cult indie film in the US..." (March 5, 2009)Hollywood, Politics And Popularity: The New Craft Scene, Capital City Weekly:"(Levine – Heimerl) tracked crafting in the U.S. to compile a visual and mental indulgence in all that is hip and new in the world of craft - although they somehow missed Alaska. Nonetheless, by page 2, I was hooked. Lime pages covered in childlike scribbles track the rise of this handmade scene, which rooted itself in the early 90s mostly through fairs, blogs, and political craft movements. Politics, you wonder? I did too. But the movement is entrenched in groups like the Church of Craft, whose members find higher aspirations in handmade creation and Craftivists, who dedicate their daily lives to making a statement through craft." — Tanna Peters (March 25, 2009)ADD TO CART
What do You think about Handmade Nation: The Rise Of DIY, Art, Craft, And Design (2008)?
halfway through... loving it. Totally fascinated by the "new craft" movement.
—Khandice
So nice to see interesting RI people in a big fancy book!
—shreya
