the art of commodifying

(images of Saipua courtesy of The Makers Project)

Like so many artists, musicians, and writers who fluctuate between their professions and survival work,  I have friends who keep 9 - 5 jobs that give them the flexibility to pursue their art in the evenings, weekends, and secretly, in the office.  There are some who spend five out of their seven evenings a week waiting tables, and others who dog walk, nanny, and personal assist.  There are some still who navigate weekly unemployment checks.  Although it may not be so rare, it is certainly refreshing to see an artist who is self-employed.  

Somehow, they've managed to harness another one of their talents in order to make a steady flow of cash.  Through Etsy, a blog, or whatever medium, they've found a way to commodify a talent or skill and remain their own boss.  For these entrepreneurs there is no separation between being employed as an artist and being employed as 'something else to pay the bills'.  'The something else', in this case, becomes another avenue for expression, business savvy, and empowerment....which leads me to my current on-line obsession.

Jennifer Causey's project 'The Makers Project' photo documents artisans from different walks of life who work, play and live in Brooklyn.  These are artists who have managed to merge their craft and their ability to create desirable, unique, high quality and personal products for the consumer.  They've also set the standard that business can be intimate, tactile, and warm.  They have mastered the art of commodifying, and made me want to move out to Brooklyn all in one fell swoop.