"The lyf is short, the craft long to lerne."

Geoffrey Chaucer c 1380  Parliament of Fowls

My husband and I were visiting the rural community of Lancaster, Ohio the first time I read this quote. The attraction that day was a liquidation sale of Arts and Crafts style furniture. I found the quote carved in a beautiful oak mantel piece. (Which I did not bring home!) It is not surprising that a quote from the 14th century would be carved into an Arts and Crafts piece made in the 20th century. It is the idealization of craft that drove the movement at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

The words made me feel as if I were in contact with a kindred spirit from another time. Another soul who had experienced the dilemma of wanting to create a better or more perfect thing within the confines of their own limitations, and the limitations of time.

I have worked in the craft of jewelry making for close to 25 years. I am proud of many of the works I have completed, and many of the relationships built with clients. They have shared the stories of their lives and loves with me, and made my life rich! 

I am amazed at the amount I still have to learn, and how much technology is changing the craft today! To CAD or not to CAD? To pursue a quiet studio business or try to grow a brand name to be mass produced overseas? How will I, in the time remaining in my life, get it all done?

I don't have the answers to these questions. The craft has taught me much about patience and perseverance. I am comforted in knowing other artists before have lived in the knowledge that life is short, and the craft is long to learn!