Shoe Making
I have been lamenting my lack of trade skills in recent months and started to mull over a few that I would be able to learn and practice while doing Stand Up and the like. I considered tailoring, but soon settled on leather working/shoe making.
My decision was pretty much made thanks to Daniel Day Lewis. Mr Kris Tapley was joking one day about him leaving the acting world to learn this trade. We then considered how awesome it would be to get a pair of his shoes. One thing led to another and I started to read up on the art and craft of shoe making.
There is a place down the street from me that makes shoes, and I went to see if they would take me on as an apprentice while I was in LA. Sadly they were not taking at this time, so I will have to continue to bother them, or find another place.
My father said when I was young that everyone should learn a trade, and I have grown to discover that those words are wise and true.
I’m sorry that they weren’t taking apprentices. Sounds like you’ll have to go with your backup trade: stealing old ladies purses.
With regards to a trade though, I do believe that our society has been placing too little value on the skilled craftsman. Instead society seems to value how cheaply something can be made by a six year old in a far off country. I hope that you eventually enter the shoe-making trade if it is something that interests you.
I agree with you, after having a few items made by craftsmen of the highest order, I started to think about the importance of supporting them rather than buying cheap and easy shit from a faceless department store.
You become involved in the creation of your purchase, it has far more sentimental value, and the quality will outlast you.
You just have to accept that things will cost more; but if you can live with less and have high quality items – you are better for it.
Fuck shoes. How about making a viking spoon? http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/19/howto-make-a-viking.html