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The Modern Maker: Inspiration from Field + Supply
It’s been a topic of conversation amongst my creative friends of late, about what constitutes an artist, artisan and maker, and at what point does one become commercial. So I was primed to visit Field + Supply: A Modern Maker Craft Fair over Columbus Day Weekend. Intrigued by the gorgeous preview photos, and its mission as described by creator Brad Ford, to create a “modern interpretation of a traditional arts and craft fair”, I set out on a trek to upstate New York on a quintessential Fall day.
In it’s third year, the fair moved to a new venue, to the charming Hasbrouck House. Located in Stone Ridge, it’s situated in the gorgeous Hudson River Valley, about 80 miles north of where I live on the Hudson, 2 hours north of Manhattan.
The region is known for it’s farm to table culture so it makes sense Field + Supply chose this as a locale. What I didn’t know is how many artisans have studios in the region. The fair featured many local artists and food purveyors while also bringing talented makers from Brooklyn and sources that Brad curated from his interior design business.
I first met Brad on the WithIt NY Design Tour in May at a presentation with Erin Connelly from The Commons at his showroom called FAIR in the New York Design Center. The concept for this showroom grew out of Field + Supply, he wanted to create an interior design resource to showcase artisans and makers.
One of the Brooklyn artists Michelle Quan, of Mquan Studio, exhibited her ceramics. These stunning curtains / wall hangings were multi media, using stoneware, hemp and white oak, united by a macrame technique.
This woven Euclid bench by Kate Casey of Peg Woodworking stopped traffic. Kate walked me through her process and one can see her experience as a sculptor. She has studied both Peruvian and American Indian weaving techniques and the convergence of her skills as an artist, artisan and craftsman, shines in this exquisite piece.
“I felt so lucky to be able to meet the makers behind all the beautiful collections that were represented. With social media, it’s become very easy to familiarize yourself with someone’s body of work while never actually meeting face to face to have mutually beneficial conversations, important to makers.
The beautiful setting had a tendency to put people at ease, which for me allowed for a less rigorous pace than the traditional design fair. ”
The pompoms and tassels on the accessories at Faherty drew me into to a brand that already has a cult following. The brother team of Mike and Alex Faherty, with experience at Ralph Lauren, hit a luxury note of rugged yet refined. They employ sustainable practices using eco-friendly fabrics, making product at family-owned factories worldwide. With stores in Soho, Nantucket and Malibu, their pop-up was the most polished with a relaxed vibe.
Another local maker at the show was Sawkille. Founders and designers Jonah Meyer and Tara DeLisio have a showroom in Rhinebeck, NY with an aesthetic considered “Farmhouse Modern” but more importantly consider themselves part of a Rural American Design movement. They are furniture makers and also represent other artisans they admire; these Japanese cups were so elegant yet functional. See a video of their furniture making here>> Sawkille.
“We draw from the heritage of the Hudson Valley; from people creating and working to build a life around what is meaningful to them.”
Another partner of the event was MERIDA, maker of rugs and textiles. I had visited their mill in Fall River, MA last year, so I knew up-close their dedication to craftsmanship and their purposefulness in using the finest natural materials. I loved their rug and yarn displays that told the visual story of who they are, a collaborative brand with integrity.
“At Merida, we are passionate about the artistry of textile design and value the hand work of our craftsmen. It is a special synergy between the two that makes what we do so unique. At Field + Supply, we were surrounded by so many like-minded companies that share in our enthusiasm. Brad created a very special community and we were honored to be a part of it.”
Morgan Spaulding of Phaedo Design, based in Kingston, NY, designs everything from sculpture to seating, mirrors and case goods, with intention and purpose. Josiah Clark gave me an enthusiastic tour of their space.
With patrons playing around with the slingshot and pompom, I couldn’t help but stop at Northern Grade. Then I noticed the beautiful knives of a local Peeskill artist Geoff Feder that has a studio near mine though we have yet to meet. What I didn’t know is that Northern Grade, a “roving market” having landed in 27 cities, now has a flagship space in the Seaport District of Manhattan. All products Made In America, I will definitely check this out next time I am downtown.
Kim Rosen, owner and designer at FAYCE TEXTILES was working as an illustrator until she turned her talent and sensibility to fabrics and wallpapers. Using printed and embroidery techniques on Belgian linen, grasscloth and paper using earth-friendly water based inks, she has earned representation in showrooms throughout the country, and in Canada and Australia too. Everything about her display evoked “made by hand” with care for the earth.
“I exhibited at Field & Supply simply because it is a beautiful show filled with vendors that I admire. I was happy to show my work amongst so much talent in a beautiful upstate setting. I also think it’s the right clientele for my work and the work of my booth mates: Taylor Ceramics and Sticks and Bricks.”
These JWB Bows were so artful, I just stood in admiration of them as objet. Located in the Catskills, they profess “communion with nature, admiration of world cultures, and appreciation for primitive techniques and tools”. They hosted an archery course for the children which was fascinating to observe. The kids felt a sense of power and accomplishment hitting the target.
Talk about a renaissance man, Jon Giswold is someone who cannot stop creating, just check out his website. His energy was expansive and inclusive, drawing people close to admire his work. He learned to knit from his mother at age 10 who allowed his creative spirit to explore. He elaborates on his idea of a maker and artist:
“My idea of a maker is the fulfillment of an order or commission through a craft that is considered art.
Art is that divine idea that I stitch passionately in each project and reminisce with my history.
I tend to my passion as it moves into a business or maker category, all while keeping my attention pure so that this art in making doesn’t turn into something else. ”
Jay Teske started working in leather, creating upholstery for motorcycles and grew his business with his wife Hadas Liebermann once they moved to Kingston, NY. Another creative, Made in USA, maker with a great inspirational story of moving outside of NYC.
Bartelby Objects grew out of designer Mary Chan’s gift making for her interior design clients. Working out of a studio in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, she uses artisan techniques and materials that promote conscious consumption.
As a trimmings designer, I brake for textiles. I stopped to meet D Bryant Archie to talk shop and of course had to buy a piece. She is based in Westchester, NY working globally with artisans to preserve indigenous techniques.
This year, workshops were added to the fair. See all the offerings here>> Maker Workshops. Next year I’ll plan a family weekend bringing the kids to take advantage of the maker sessions and enjoy the fair unhurriedly.
{This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the exhibitors at the fair, click here for a complete list.}
Meeting and connecting with the makers at Field + Supply is further informing my thoughts about the joys and challenges of pursuing a creative life. I am so grateful to all that shared themselves and their work and especially to Brad Ford for his vision to bring people together to celebrate the pursuit of authenticity.
Thanks for joining me on this inspirational tour.
