A Love Letter of Craft for Nurturing Creativity At Home

June 2, 2020

Lithuanian-born Jewish sculptor Boris Schatz is remembered as the father of Israeli art. Founder of Jerusalem’s Bezalel School of Arts and Crafts and the National Bezalel Museum (which would become the Israel Museum we know today), he famously observed ‘art is the bud, craft is the fruit.’

So where our Love Letter to Jewish art offered you a first bloom, this week we share the full flower via a curation of craft ideas from Melbourne weaver and fibre artist, Tammy Kanat. You may have caught her exhibition Circles of Life at the NGV – if not, view online alongside our own collection of textiles.

Until we meet again, stay well and warm – and prepare to unleash your creative spirit!

Jessica Bram
Director & CEO

I believe it is important to nurture creativity during challenging times. It’s not about being productive, but the simple pleasure of trying things you may not have before. I hope the ideas that follow bring you comfort and joy while at home.

Ceramiques

Working with clay is a wonderful way to calm your mind and find a rhythm, to explore and experiment with creativity. Start with an online class from the Elsternwick-based Ceramiques; they offer home delivery of their clay and tool kits plus a pick-up / drop-off firing service.

Isolation Art School

An online community founded to foster creativity during the COVID-19 crisis, Isolation Art School presents tips, lessons and projects for children and adults alike via artists around the world (we love William Farr’s still life with found materials).

Learn with Tjanpi Desert Weavers

This social enterprise of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yakunytjatjara (NPY) Women’s Council works with women in remote central and western desert regions who earn an income from contemporary fibre art. The organisation represents over 400 Anangu / Yarnangu artists from 26 communities.

Learning from a group that’s been perfecting their skills for thousands of years is quite an opportunity. Purchase a Learn-To-Weave Kit and create your own raffia basket through this beautiful initiative that gives back; I hope to try my hand at one of these some day soon.

Margarita Art Express

Local artist Margarita Krivitsky has a wealth of knowledge and shares her skills with such generosity of spirit; my daughter Francesca has been a student of hers for years. Try your hand at one of her much-loved painting or drawing classes online.

Wunder Weave

Whether you’re yearning to learn or need to replenish your wool stocks, this is a one-stop shop. Weaving is a traditional practice that combines creativity with meditation; I’ve found myself reflecting on infinity while working during isolation. I can’t recommend it highly enough.