Episode 112: The Artisan Life – Community in an Artisan Collective

Finding Your Groove With Kathleen Thompson

What do you think of when you picture an artist? Someone working away in their studio alone for hours on end? Well, what about artisans throughout history – like Antonio Stradivari – who made his iconic Stradivarius violins in an Italian community? Or the 29 scientists at the 5^th Solvay Conference in 1927? Community can make all the difference in your artisan journey. Listen to this episode to learn how community can accelerate your growth.

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On This Episode

Rhythm of Life – Singing Like a Frog
Random Riffs – The Fitbit Doesn’t Like Me
Feature Segment – Community in an Artisan Collective

Today’s Quote

For me, it’s always part of my holiday to go and work my way along the shelf in the local artisan bakery with its breads, savoury tartlets, pastries and cakes. It’s soul food: one of those things that tells you about a place and the history of a place and its people. –Paul Hollywood

Rhythm of Life – Singing Like a Frog

You know how I told you that my word for 2019 is sing? Well, I expected some interesting twists and turns related to that word. And this year has already delivered.

I heard my singing on a scratch demo with my songwriting coach. Then there was my last voice lesson. We were trying to eliminate tension under my chin. And it didn’t even sound like singing. It sounded like a croaking frog.

It’s so often the way, isn’t it? We start out all excited. I did. I started the year with word SING. I was excited to see what would happen by setting this intention. By focusing on singing. I didn’t know I’d come face to face with my shortcomings and then struggle to even get a pleasing sound out.

This is what happens in the messy middle. When the novelty has worn off and we’re nowhere near the finish line. As uncomfortable as this is, we learn so much in the messy middle.

If you’re there right now, take heart. Send an email to [e-mail] or leave a comment with show notes.

Random Riffs – The Fitbit Doesn’t Like Me

Morley Palmer came home with a new car almost every year. And loved it. Until something went wrong. Then it was, “The car doesn’t like me.”

My husband Jerry and I used to joke about his dad’s attitude. And then the other day I felt like saying it myself. Listen to the episode to hear why I almost said, “The Fitbit doesn’t like me.”

If you know me, you know that one of top 5 strengths on Strength Finder is Achiever. I like to get stuff done. Yet, as my friends said, what really matters is that I know I did something. And that I enjoyed the process.

The same is true for you. Love the work and keep doing it. The results will follow when we’re ready.

Feature Segment – The Artisan Life: Community in an Artisan Collective

In 1927 29 physicists and chemists gathered at the 5^th Solvay International Conference of Physicists and Chemists. A community of scientists. And 17 of them won a Nobel prize.

How is that possible? There was something about the community that made it possible. A blend of encouragement and healthy competition.

We touched on this in Episode 111. Athletes who were rivals and trained together pushed each other to perform better.

The Artisan Guilds of yore worked in much the same way. Like the Cremonese violin makers, headed by Antonio Stradivari. And their influence was at least as great as the scientists at the 5^th Solvay International Conference.

What about this type community is so powerful? How can you use that in your world as an Artisan?

1. Let curiosity loose.
2. A different perspectives helps bring ideas to life.

A great example of this is the first-ever image of a black hole that was just released.

3. Learn something you don’t know.

How do you find this community? There are several options. Listen to the episode to hear how you can find like-minded people to develop your artisanship together.

I believe so strongly in this, that I’m starting a group. It will be limited to 8 people who are willing to invest in their own work, as well as the work of others. Check it out at this link. We’ll have a phone call to determine together whether or not it’s a good fit for you.

Want to grow as an artisan? Want to be part of the elite group who become truly outstanding? Then join a community. Your art, and the world, will be better for it.

Have you had a great experience with an Artisan community? Leave a comment.

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17 Nobel Prizes coming out of the 5th Solvay Conference wasn’t an accident. It was community that did it.
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Artisan Series

090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work
091: The Three C's of Artisanship
092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic?
093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP.
094: What's Your Signature Scent?
095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship
096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship
097: Craftsmanship Requires Change
098: Building Craftsmanship – When it Gets Hard
099: Building Craftsmanship – Take Care of Your Tools
101: Building Craftsmanship – Be an Apprentice
102: Building Craftsmanship – Practice
103: 4 Habits That Foster Creativity
104: Time for Wonder
105: Forget the Big Bang Theory
106: Constraints Ignite Creativity
107: Seal Creativity With a KIS
108: Creativity: One Ring to Rule Them All
109: Creativity: What's Old is New Again
110: Creativity: Create Your Own Seal
111: Community: The Beauty of Collaboration

The post Episode 112: The Artisan Life – Community in an Artisan Collective first appeared on Kathleen Ann Thompson.