>In a message dated 98-01-06  John Leeke writes:

>Organizing a crafts guild or setting up an academic program would undoubted be
>costly. I travel around the country quite a bit and have never seen a a local
>preservation market that could, or is willing, to support an effective program
>that offers immediate results. There are some current attempts that look
>promising though. Back in the 1980s I tried to organize other people here in
>northern New England into doing something like this. I finally go tired of it
>and set out to do something on my own.


B-P,

Though four months late, I think I have a direction for the above problem
and would like some input.

The problem, I as I see it, is that somewhere during the nineteenth century
the craftsman was relieved or perhaps forfeited his ability to think
critically of his tasks rather than to react with an innate and programatic
indifference.

What if the formal training, not the practium, were similiar to that
offered by a four year Fine Arts program with a B.A. as well as a
recognition of Journeyman. As a carpenter, I belive this idea isn't too
farfetched since practical training in Chattanooga is offered by a joint
effort of the Local Carpenter and Joiner Union, the trusts of several of
the larger General Contractors and AGC. The Apprenticeship program can last
up to four years excluding time on the job.

Though these people are the rising cream of the industry, I have found they
still lack the creative blood that is intrinsic in a geniuine artisan.
Certainly there those out there who would have the calling of a true
Craftsman, but find themselves unable to work and learn to their full
potential.

I would appreciate any thoughts, notions, critiques, or reality checks.

-Jenks Parker-