What does Artisan mean

What does ARTISAN really mean and why should I buy ARTISAN products if available?

Artisan is Not a Label

The authentic meaning and application of artisan alludes to a simpler time when people took pride in their craft: It’s about special and unique. Today, in an effort  to suggest that their products are a higher quality, manufacturers of mass-produced  products linked to big corporations are attempting to ride the wave of this movement by stamping artisan on their products, and spending many marketing dollars in getting this message out to the consumer.

As an ARTISAN jewelry craftsman, I have taken the time to learn how to make something by hand…something that has been lost in the mass produced world of apparel and accessories…and yet, I get it…by day I am right in the middle of this hectic world as a liaison between customers in US, factories in Africa and home offices in Asia.         Yes I am Global!  Most folks have no idea what actually has to happen to be able to purchase that 9.99 tee shirt from the mass merchants. But yet we wonder and complain why so many jobs have been sent out of our country.        Because everyone wants clothing and accessories at a cheap price – so we have created our own monster.

That is why I have come to love working with metal and gems, solving problems and coming up with a one of a kind piece .Only problem is there are not enough customers who appreciate the time, effort and training it takes to become skilled enough to make something by hand so I continue to work in the mass produced world in order to be able to pay for the training and materials it takes to make a hand crafted piece.       And so continues the Catch 22.

So the next time that shiny piece of jewelry from the mass merchandiser catches your eye, think about the ones who are still taking the time to make something unique by hand; and if you should happen to see something at a show or in a gallery and are wondering about the price remember this…if you buy from a well known “BRAND” you are paying very little for the actual time and materials but mostly for the marketing and sales commissions that have been spent in making the BRAND known and you will share that same item with many people but if you buy from the ARTISAN craftsman, you are paying for the individual time, tools and training that have gone into creating something unique just for you!