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As we all know, it’s easy to succumb to an accumulation of things in this day and age and culture that we live in. Crass materialism has become such the norm that many don’t even know the meaning of it anymore, or think of it as a quaint and archaic notion.
But passé or not, I continue to think about things, and I strive to be aware of my consumption, particularly of unecessary junk. To me, “things” are the soul-less, mass-produced items found stacked to the ceiling in any big box store, featured in just about any infomercial, continually shoved at us through advertising everywhere we go.
It can seem depressing and endless. But I also know that there is an antidote, and our beloved pursuit embodies it like few others. How many other sub-cultures in our era continue to feature so many talented craftsmen who still care deeply about their work? Folks who do it largely as a labour of love, and maybe, if they’re lucky, are able to make a modest income, though that clearly isn’t their sole motivation?
Traditional archery – the bowyers, string makers, fletchers, small-scale manufacturers of broadheads, the leather workers, and really, any of us that bother to make at least some of our own stuff – are the antidote to this senseless culture of “things.”
Do I own more bows, quivers, etc. than I truly need? Absolutely. You’ll find no argument with me on that point – but you also won’t find a trace of guilt about it, either. In purchasing each and every one of those items, I don’t believe that I’m merely acquiring an additional “thing” or succumbing to materialism – I’m acquiring an object that represents true craft and real passion. Just as importantly, I’m helping support a craftsperson in a time when the true meaning of “craftsmanship” has been largely lost in our culture.
I’ve been kicking these thoughts around for a bit and then, by an odd turn and in a different context, I came across this quote yesterday, and it summed up my thoughts so perfectly, that I was prompted to share it:
Just a few thoughts on “things.” Thank you to all who continue to pour their heart and soul into building these wonderfully-crafted items that we take afield and generate rich memories from. Hope some of you can relate…
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Cheers, Ben! I love seeing pics of your latest arrows.
Steve Graf wrote:
Actually, if you look around there are a lot of people, in a lot of different disciplines doing the same thing. When you look at archery as art, then you begin to see that it isn’t so different from every other pursuit of perfection. In our area, we have a load of potters, jewelry makers, painters, writers, etc.
But still, they are drowned out by the commercialism you speak of. It just means we have to learn to hear the whisper in the wind.
So true, Steve.
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