Detail of Directory of Traditional American Crafts 2023 entry
Eight times now since 2015 the Early American Life Directory of Traditional American Crafts has seen fit to include me among their top 200 craftsmen in America. It is not something I take for granted.
Every year, when I send off my entry to the Directory, I wonder whether the judges will like what they see this time. And then, if they do, whether Early American Life (http://www.EarlyAmericanLife.com) will select a photo of my entry for the Christmas issue.
This year, photos of sixteen entries appeared in the issue, and mine was one of them. An honor and a joy, for sure.
This is an excellent magazine (not saying that because my work is sometimes in it!). The articles are deeply interesting and well written. If you like Early American anything, you’ll like this magazine.
The magazine explains that entries for the Directory are “chosen for inclusion by a panel of antiques dealers, collectors, historians, and museum curators.” The judges look for “creativity and meticulous handwork” in pieces that reflect the spirit of “holiday objects of the past” (Early American Life, Christmas 2023, p. 59).
The entry process goes like this: I must choose two (no fewer, no more) works from only the previous year; take five (no fewer, no more) photos of them; write an essay explaining the historical references and traditional techniques involved in the making; sign the paper declaring sole craftmanship, etc.; and send all (with the entry fee) to Early American Life by the January deadline.
The next step? Wait for a few months to hear whether I made it again! If I do, I will get a packet which contains posters and tags for me to use when I sell things.
The process is good because it makes me keep trying to up my game. And when the letter comes telling me I made the cut, I’m grateful and energized. I won’t lie–if I didn’t make the cut, I’d be disappointed. But there’s motivation in that too.
I have to go now. The 2024 entry window is now open!
