Why this blog?
I started this blog to gather and collect research about Russian folk arts & crafts. I first started to study craft seriously after learning about the Arts & Crafts movement during my studies in Design school. This blog serves as springboard for exploring similar ideas in the Russian and Russo-centric sphere, Slavic and Eastern European cultures, and the definition of “Eurasianism” in comparative observation with East & West. I am currently also studying Russian language to gain a better understanding of the culture.
Why Russia?
My interest in Russia stems from accidentally having a Russia first name, despite not being of Russian origin. When I was a child, my social studies teacher, who was a Russophile, encouraged me to learn about the history behind my name and the culture that went along with it. Since then, I have always had an interest in this fascinating culture, which for Americans like me, remains mysterious and under-explored to this day. About three years ago, I first read novels by Fyodor Dostoevsky, based on the recommendation of a friend. After being completely blown away by the brilliance of his writing, my love and interest in the Russian culture blossomed into the core passion that I have today.
Why Folk Arts & Crafts?
I first discovered folk arts and crafts during my undergraduate studies, when I learned about the British Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th Century based upon the writings of philosopher and art critic John Ruskin. Around that same time, I happened to be interested in Japanese culture as well. My interest lead me to a wonderful book called The Unknown Craftsman, written by Japanese scholar Soetsu Yanagi. The book was highly influential on my growing interest in craft cultures of the world. From a more personal standpoint, my grandmother herself was a great craftswoman, a master quilt maker in the traditional American style.
I want the main focus of this blog to explore Russian (and Slavic) folk art, with occasional comparative examinations of Russian cultural identity in relation to other nations and cultures. Other cultures I am specifically interested to highlight include American Folk Tradition, traditional Japanese craft (and native Ainu culture) and the arts and crafts of Central and South America. Essentially Eastern European compared with the Far West and the Far East.
Why "...& Abroad"?
I want the main focus of this blog to explore Russian (and Slavic) folk art, with occasional comparative examinations of Russian cultural identity in relation to other nations and cultures. Other cultures I am specifically interested to highlight include American Folk Tradition, traditional Japanese craft (and native Ainu culture) and the arts and crafts of Central and South America. Essentially Eastern European compared with the Far West and the Far East.
