#wemakepenland

[clockworkfeathers]

Penland is unique in our modern society. It’s a place where we are reminded of our connection to the physical world. . In times where the way we source the tangible things that get us through the year, season, day, hour, and moments are through clicks of buttons and exchanges of numbers, Penland reminds us that there are actual people with will and agency that shape the world around us to bring these items, whether necessities or luxuries, into existence. . Penland is a place that grounds and anchors our physical beings into our physical world, and that is something that is increasingly scarce as the world grows ever more fast paced. All of our advancements are built upon a foundation of making, which is the essence of craft. Places like Penland reinforce these foundations upon which we build our modern wonders; without which we would be adrift and unmoored from that which is real. . (Click the tagged account for a link to help this special place) . #wemakepenland (at Penland School of Crafts) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj61I0aD24a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[clockworkfeathers]

One cannot ever truly answer “what if” questions about how one’s life would be different if events had played out differently. However, we can recognize events that significantly influenced our lives. For me, my experiences at @penlandschool were life changing in the most literal sense. The school is one of only a handful of places where the traditions and frontiers of craft media are actively explored and expanded, and being immersed in an environment where one is surrounded by others with similar pursuits primes them to make unique breakthroughs in their creative practice. . My hope is for as many people to be able to access the same life changing experiences that I had, and continue to have. In these times where we are increasingly outsourcing much of our lives, making something with one’s hands for one’s self is increasingly rare; but the experience of doing so is like nothing else I have encountered. It is so affirming that I wish for everyone to be able to experience it, especially those who, like me, have felt or been told that these fields and these experiences are not for them. . We need more people of all backgrounds to weave, mold, shape, and forge, the chain of craftsmanship. We need to repair the links that have been broken and to continue to build upon the foundations that have been laid by every generation that came before us. Humans are makers, and to deny it to any of us is to deprive us all of something that is at the very core of our beings. . So go check ‘em out. See if there are any classes you might be interested in taking and if you can, help them keep the place going. . #WeMakePenland (at Penland School of Crafts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVOm2h7guEH/?utm_medium=tumblr

[macdonaldforge]

We Make Penland Mystical! The clock is ticking, Donate today before midnight - link in my bio . . . #blacksmithing #wemakepenland #penlandschoolofcrafts #penlandiron #faerie #maker (at Gerton Helipad) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVOgc5cllXP/?utm_medium=tumblr

[fashionado]

On the Road To Heavens Above is @penlandschool of craft. #penlandschoolofcraft #penland #wemakepenland #art #craft #life #outdoors #weekendvibes #thepageofalex #fashionado (at Penland School of Crafts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIIpxdbhH97/?igshid=73sqch5tl8iu

[fashionado]

It is with tremendous pride, love and emotion that I announce I am on the Board of Trustees for Penland School of Craft. I first came to @penlandschool as a young 22 yr old. Penland shaped and formed my foundation on every level. I’m honored and humbled to serve on the Board. Thank you #PenlandSchool #WeMakePenland #art #craft #arteducation #nc #fashionado https://www.instagram.com/p/CHjAKp2hyZI/?igshid=5dm3fbfus3qc

[clockworkfeathers]

It’s @penlandschool Giving Day today, so if you’re looking for a worthwhile organization to support, consider going to penland.org and making a donation. People who have known me for a while will have heard me talk about #PenlandSchoolOfCraft . I’m in good company with the countless people who say that this place changed their life. It’s a place that shows people possibilities that are not often seen or represented in our everyday culture. It showed me that there is way more that is possible than what we are taught, but that we have to actively seek it out. For someone who had spent their entire life contorting themselves to fit into the expectations of the world around me, it was a kind of culture shock to be in a place where many of those expectations didn’t exist. . I am extremely fortunate to have been able to come here. I wish more people, like me, who find themselves classified as “other” or “outsider” could experience this place. I found it extremely heartening that, in response to the growing protests against systemic racism, Penland ramped up their efforts to find more ways to give BIPOC the chance to come here. When I thought about what I could answer to #WeMakePenland the thing that came to mind for me is ‘Diverse.’ I want more people to be able to say the same. . (at Penland School of Crafts) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDiBsLnrqv/?igshid=1gxc57ukasapp

[mikepots83]

I've had the priviledge to attend Penland numerous times. Each experience took my work to the next level. I received a scholarship to attend one class and a grant to attend the fall concentration. It"s time to give back what was so generously given to me. . . . #wemakepenland #penlandschoolofcrafts #maker #handmade #finecraftartist #finecraft #giveback #gratitude #grateful #wncmountains #southernappalacia #blueridgemountains (at Gerton, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDNM9SDgNf/?igshid=1bl4bbhattg3

[macdonaldforge]

Penland Changed Us! The mission, staff, programming and campus at Penland School of Craft help to create a safe environment where I can dive deeply toward my creative edges without many of usual worries and aggravations of my 'outside' world. This is one of Penland's gifts to us. Please join us and make a gift to the We Make Penland 2020 campaign.* *SEE LINK IN MY BIO #wemakepenland #penlandschoolofcraft #blacksmithing #makers (at Gerton Helipad) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGCuoQGBPFj/?igshid=m9h98ou0b1xo