An article in a recent issue of Details Magazine was brought to my attention by a colleague today, and it confirmed a trend I have been sensing lately. The title of the article is “Artisanal America” and it covers the rise of handcrafted goods in America and the increase in consumer desire for items that are “not made in China” but rather created by local artisans.
The biggest indication I’ve seen in this trend is the move to buying locally raised and grown foods. I visit the local Farmer’s Market each Saturday, and it’s so nice to see so many local producers offering such a wonderful variety of fresh foods grown locally. Plus, it’s also great to see the popularity of the farmer’s market. That place is packed each weekend. In the same venue there is now an artisan’s market each Sunday where local craftsmen sell their handmade wares, from jewelry and clothing to birdhouses and furniture.
I, like many of my friends and colleagues, welcome this trend and see it not only as a move in the right direction away from big box retail, but also as an opportunity for creative types like us to promote the value of what we do. Like other artisans, designers create one-of-a-kind interiors and products bespoke to our client’s every need and specification.
Here’s a link to the article:
http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201008/artisanal-america-handmade-hipster-authentic?currentPage=1