November 24, 2003

Often, I hear people complain how they too, wish they could be an artist but fear they couldn�t make a living at it. These same people then fail to buy from artists (sometimes citing �it�s not worth it�) and instead, plunk down lots of money on useless trinkets from Wal-Mart.

I�m a firm believer that you must support others who do what you wish to do. For me, that means that supporting small artists, writers and magazines instead of large chains. I find that by buying goods from these places, I help keep the industry going so that I can continue to thrive in it. Also, it means something to feel connected to something when I buy it, rather just mindless stocking up on things I don�t need or have no benefit.

Recently I went through this process when I purchased two beautiful designed and made Christmas stockings from my friend, Alicia who runs a fabulous little boutique in Portland OR called Posie: Rosy Little Things. In need of a pair of stockings to hang, I didn�t want to buy a generic red felt stocking from the local chain shop. Christmas, for me, has lots of meaning, tradition and ceremony and is a very simple, sweet and restful time. I wanted something that would add to that, not take away. When I saw Alicia�s stockings, I knew they were perfect. Knowing that someone would sit to make them for me and knowing that person to boot, made it easy to make the purchase.

Yes they might be a little bit more than one�s found in the store but the return on the value is so much more. Because when I look at the stocking when they hang in my flat, I�ll smile. I�ll know where they came from, I�ll understand the meaning behind them and I�ll know that I supported something I want to participate in. Instead of having something in my home that has no meaning, I have something that does, and that is almost priceless.

This is the same reason why I�ll be heading down to Portland to celebrate her special Holiday Bizarre come December. Wading through artist�s goods, chatting them up and perhaps indulging myself in an item or too, is just a brilliant way to spend an afternoon. It certainly beats rushing in and out of chain stores, fighting lines filled with cranky souls and checking off lists of gifts that don�t mean anything.

Other great artist shoppings sites/lists:
Another Girl at Play Catalogue
Soap Box Girls Buyers Guide
Keri Smith's List
Christine Castro of Maganda's List